Facebook information overload – staying safe online

Ofcom has released a report saying far too many children and young people put too much personal information on social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Hi5 etc. But it seems they are not alone. Even adults put too much about themselves online.    So here are some guidelines on keeping safe if you do use any of the above. I use Facebook so here’s some especially for FB users. Some do apply to the other sites though.

1) Don’t bother posting something you wouldn’t want a stranger to see.

2) Do NOT put up pictures of children on your page.

3) Be careful with your Facebook networks. If you’ve joined one and haven’t looked at your security settings since, chances are anyone in your network – including people you don’t know – can view your personal information with one click.

4) Embrace the Limited profile. If you’re not the best of buds, don’t give away your whole life.

5) Do you really despise someone who uses Facebook and you have mutual friends? Chances are they can read every wall post you write to that friend. So block them. It will be the same as if you don’t even exist on Facebook and neither will they. You won’t be able to see their posts on walls or display picture and they won’t be able to see yours.

6) Think about your future. Would you really like your potential or current boss to know what you get up to after work?

7 ) Don’t put your home/work address, email address or phone number on your profile. If someone wants to get in contact, they will send you a Facebook message.

8 ) If you reply to a message from someone who is not on your friend list, they will be able to see your profile for at least a month – unless you change your settings.

~ by rhonaganguly on April 3, 2008.