Communications, Media & Strategy Gavel

Many of us today owned created accounts on several social Media platforms. Some have a good purpose for doing this while many just want to belong. The ease of access should not be a reason for abuse and unnecessary exposure.

Do not be carried away by the opportunities social media offers. Many people had become real target of stalkers without knowing.  We have taken time to observe certain individual users of social media and sometimes we are wondering if they ever taken time to consider the implications of their actions or inactions on the social platforms. Today we will examine six warnings every social media user should heed.

Be wary of giving too much detail: many people give too much information about themselves. Whatever the aim of such people, they may unnecessarily be following a risky path. One must learn to give appropriate information. There are privacy rules in most social media platforms. It is true an individual can determine who sees what. But then, never forget there are hackers who can get anything they want as long as it is available online.

Never join a group that does not represent you: Groups are formed by special interest people. Joining groups is not mandatory. Being a part of a group says a lot about you, image, perception and world outlook. I understand many are invited or included in certain groups without their consent. But nothing stops you from removing your name from the lists. Hackers may connect with you through the group. Before you will know what happens, you are already a target.

Stop unnecessary exposure of your family: I am still an advocate of family privacy. Many are exposing their family members to danger on social media. They take pictures of their wards during their school social and academic events. This may not be out rightly bad. But giving too much detail with regards to name of the wards’ school, address, and department may expose such wards to kidnappers. If you can, it is appropriate to omit such details.

Stop unnecessary broadcast of your itinerary: Another way people expose themselves to danger on Social media platform is to broadcast their itinerary. While it is good, a level of caution may be needed. Except when you are going for a meeting that needed to be advertised so people can turn up, be very wary of supplying your itinerary details to the public. For one, you expose your home as well as your life to attack.  In some cases, it is appropriate to broadcast after you are back.

Stop sharing your friends’ private details: In the ongoing London 2012 Olympic, a media personnel’s account was suspended on twitter for ‘tweeting’ another official’s email and contact number. Twitter was quoted as saying the guy breached its rules. Do not create trouble for your friends and relatives by becoming their unofficial spokesperson online. Let them give, release their own information.

Please never forget every good things have their own downside. hence the need to play safe. What other factors do you consider? Please us the comment section.