Social Networking

Social Networking

Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have become essential to many people’s daily lives both in a work and a personal capacity. Whilst the advantages of social networking sites are immense, there are several key things you can do to ensure your safety and security whilst using them.

Privacy Settings

The automatic setting for social networking sites in terms of privacy leaves much of your data, information and pictures open for anyone to see. Make sure you are aware of what your privacy settings are and who has access to your information. Increasingly, employers, universities etc. are looking for initial information about applicants through their Facebook sites. Are you comfortable with the amount of information they can gain about you?

Unsuitable content

Photographs and other data that are uploaded to social networking sites can be downloaded by other users and a permanent digital record can be created. When uploading potentially unsuitable images or content, be aware of who might have access to them and what they might be used for.

Personal vs. public

If you use your social networking profile for work, and also for personal use, be aware what content is on there and what message it may send out about your work place. It is advised to keep a personal profile separate from a public one used for work purposes in order to safeguard you, and to ensure the image and reputation of your workplace.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is increasingly an issue faced by adults, with social networking sites being one of the main areas the attacks take place in. Cyberbullying can be anything from a nasty comment, to hacking your profile and changing information through to uploading horrible pictures of you. If you experience any form of cyberbullying on a social networking site, it is important to report it as abuse so the site can deal with it directly.