We live in a technologically advanced world consumed by Facebook and thanks to the genius of Mark Zuckerberg, the social networking-obsessed can’t imagine going a day without a wall-post or status-update to fill their 1,700 friends in on their daily adventures. Not only does the internet provide a platform for you to share and connect with friends, family and coworkers…but because of the anonymity allowed to anyone with a computer and a longing for wreaking havoc on innocent patrons of the cyber-realm, the internet is also a breeding ground for some serious creeps. For this reason it is imperative to take the proper precautions when logging onto the world’s most popular social networking forum and arm yourself with the following safety tips:
Utilize privacy settings. The makers of Facebook are aware of the dangers that present themselves to its users and they have enabled privacy and security settings to help maintain the highest level of protection. All Facebook users should take the time to review the features and control what information is made accessible to people, applications and other websites. With these controls you have the opportunity to customize your settings, but your best bet is to set your account so that your information is only shared with your friends.
Personal info has no place on your profile. When creating your profile or interacting with others via Facebook, remember to never give out identifying information about yourself such as your home address, place of business, phone number, email, financial details or anything else that has potential for bringing you harm if found in the wrong hands.
Accept friend requests with caution. While it’s fun to watch the friend requests come reeling in and the idea of meeting new people is thrilling, it is wise to carefully select your Facebook friends. Before accepting someone, check out as much of their profile as you can and review info, mutual friends, etc. Use your best judgment but if you don’t know a person, it is suggested that you don’t confirm the pending friendship. There have been cases of sex offenders, police officers and other fake account creators who will add you as a friend to gain access to you and your information. Ask yourself: do you really want a complete stranger following your every “like” and comment?
Location is everything. One of the most popular new features that Facebook offers its users is the “check-in” tool. This allows you to post your location to let your Facebook contacts know what you are doing and scan others who have checked-in as well. For those on the go, you have the opportunity to meet up with friends in the same proximity as you, but with this comes some disadvantages. If an ill-wishing predator should know where you are, you could be putting yourself at risk for burglary or physical attack. Think twice before checking-in and be wary of posting a status or picture informing everyone of your whereabouts.
Protect against viruses. Recently, many Facebook users have fallen victim to viruses running rampant across their networks. To avoid this same fate, make sure that you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer that will protect against viruses and the chance of spreading them to every one of your friends. Also, never click on any links or posts claiming that you can receive a free iPad or a year of free caramel lattes at Starbucks. These are nothing but infectious viruses—remember that if something is too good to be true, it probably is.
Log out. No matter where you sign into your Facebook account—be it the public library, school or even your own personal laptop—make sure that you sign out after you are done getting your social networking fix. If anyone should stumble upon a computer and pull up your Facebook, they have access to all of your friends, settings and other material that could dismantle your online reputation and possibly have negative implications on your safety. Create a unique password that can’t be easily guessed, don’t share it with anyone and guard it with your life.
Joe Morris is a writer who shares with us this guest post about Facebook safety. In his free time Joe also contributes his work to Best Online Dating Sites where he offers safety tips and advice to online daters.
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Article by Joe Morris
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I remember how easy to use Facebook was when it was first launched. Now it has become so complicated with a myriad of security options and settings that one has to be aware of.
I am very careful about accepting strangers friend requests. Sometimes it is just someone adding co-workers to their network so it’s ok as you may not know them but are part of the same company or organization. But I still make sure I ask any mutual friends about that person first before adding them to my friends list.
-Jean