Social media technology allows us to connect in real-time to our friends, family, and colleagues around the world. While social media is a great place to share your thoughts and opinions, there are several precautions you should take to ensure your safety online.
Do not assume that everyone on social media is who they say they are. If you get a message or a friend request from someone you don’t know in real life, you may not want to interact with them until you can verify their identity.
What you post can, and will, come back to haunt you. A recent study showed that up to 90% of employers and college admissions coordinators check candidates’ social media profiles. Make sure what you post represents the image you want to portray.
Always make sure you involve your parents or guardians in any decision you make related to bringing your virtual friends into your real life.
Never give out personal information through social media. Sharing your home address, schedule, or other personal information on your social media page can tell the world more about you than you may want them to know. It could even lead someone right to you.
Always think twice about how much someone could figure out about you from your profile or the things you post.