Guidelines for Staying Safe With Social Networking
Before venturing into any social situations online, there are a few important things to realize. First, know that the online world is not the same as face to face communication, and it should be treated differently. Second, realize that you are only as anonymous online as you choose to be, and that it is very hard to become anonymous again once you reveal personal information. Finally, realize that the online realm is a very permanent medium. What you post online will likely remain available to anyone interested for a very long time.
The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team also lists five key points to remember, which we think useful:
- "Limit the amount of personal information you post - Do not post information that would make you vulnerable (e.g., your address, information about your schedule or routine). If your connections post information about you, make sure the combined information is not more than you would be comfortable with strangers knowing.
- Remember that the internet is a public resource - Only post information you are comfortable with anyone seeing. This includes information in your profile and in blogs and other forums. Also, once you post information online, you can't retract it. Even if you remove the information from a site, saved or cached versions may still exist on other people's machines .
- Be wary of strangers - The internet makes it easy for people to misrepresent their identities and motives . Consider limiting the people who are allowed to contact you on these sites. If you interact with people you do not know, be cautious about the amount of information you reveal or agreeing to meet them in person.
- Be skeptical - Don't believe everything you read online. People may post false or misleading information about various topics, including their own identities. This is not necessarily done with malicious intent; it could be unintentional, a product of exaggeration, or a joke. Take appropriate precautions, thought, and try to verify the authenticity of any information before taken any action.
- Check privacy policies - Some sites may share information such as email addresses or user preferences with other companies. This may lead to an increase in spam . Also, try to locate the policy for handling referrals to make sure that you do not unintentionally sign your friends up for spam. Some sites will continue to send email messages to anyone you refer until they join."
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