Although many people are now well aware of basic online safety precautions such as not entering credit card information on an insecure website, some willingly give others too much insight into personal situations through mediums such as Facebook. Data from the Pew Research Center suggests over half of social media users turned to these websites as a way to make plans with others.
Keep reading to learn ways to ensure that you're not unintentionally sharing something intimate with a broader audience.
Be Careful with Sensitive Situations
Social media websites make it easier and more tempting than ever to broadcast potentially damaging information online. Many people do in hopes of seeking sympathy from friends without realizing that it could worsen the situation.
For example, if you've recently been the victim of someone else's negligence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and need to seek services from a Harrisburg injury lawyer, resist publishing any specific details about the ordeal on your Facebook wall or any other publicly viewed format. There have been some cases of Facebook status updates being used as evidence in a court of law. The point? You can never be too careful.
Don't Flaunt Being Out of Town
Being excited about an upcoming trip is natural, but avoid posting any details that could make your home a prime target for a robbery. This isn't as much of an issue if you have appropriate privacy settings on your profile but it's still safest to mention travel-related details only after returning from a destination.
Know the Difference Between Wall Posts and Private Messages
Before you head over to a friend's Facebook wall and eagerly relive all the festivities of a night on the town, remember that everyone in your network of friends can potentially see wall posts. Respect privacy by sending a message to your friend instead; Facebook messages work the same way as e-mail in that only specified recipients can see them.
Refrain from Career Complaints
Being unhappy about a job is something that all of us struggle with from time to time. However, it's not wise to air your grievances in places like Facebook, especially if you're friends with superiors. Whether you like it or not, some may see you as an ambassador for the company, especially if you mention a place of employment on Facebook.
Exercise the same precautions if you're thinking about changing your career or making a move to another state. These announcements could cause unwanted attention and a lot of extra hassles.
There's a common saying that if you can't say anything nice about a person, don't say anything at all. That phrase could easily be adapted to social media, so if you can't say something you wouldn't mind the world reading, don't use Facebook to broadcast it.
About Author: Aaron Walker is a tech enthusiast who loves sharing tips and tricks about gadgets, social networks, and the like.