Advice on how to keep your personal information private and not overshare whilst using social media.
Contents
Social media
Social media is a great way to stay in touch with other people. You can keep up-to-date with what people share and keep informed by popular pages or groups that interest you.
But have you considered that what you share online may be seen by people who aren’t your friends?
Public by default
Some social media apps are public by default, meaning your information can be seen by any Internet user. Watch a video by Barclays bank that demonstrates how someone may maliciously access your information if you haven’t made your profile private.
What you post online, what websites you visit, and how you shop online all create a digital footprint of data about you. Which is why it is important to keep your information private and try not to overshare information.
Change your privacy settings
Many social media platforms allow you to change your privacy settings.
This usually means you need to go into your account settings once you are signed in, and navigate to the settings menu that says security or privacy. From here, you are able to modify your settings to suit you.
Avoid oversharing information online
Unfortunately, on social media people will sometimes try to be your friend as a way to trick you into sending money or sharing private information.
Sometimes even people you already regard as a friend may be doing this to you.
It is better to be private and not share information online. Ask yourself: Would you share the information to a stranger if you were walking down the street? If the answer is no, do not share it online.
THINK before you post
Is the information that I am going to post or share:
- True
- Helpful
- Inspiring
- Necessary
- Kind