With more people using social networking sites there is also an increase in the various threats people may encounter online. Unfortunately population masses tend to attract people with less than noble intentions and so is the case with many popular social networking sites. Now the social networking dangers that do exist are not extreme enough to consider your complete withdrawal from these sites. On the other hand your safety on the internet can be compromised if you do not exercise caution.
Here are 3 of the most common threats facing many people involved in online social networking.
Malware
Spammers of all sorts can 'sniff' out a crowd online in a short period of time. Many target popular social sites because the 'fishing' is good. The offer of interesting content or a helpful download allows these people to 'deposit' different types of malware on your computer.
In this case the same rules should apply when involved in any online social activities as it does with your email. Do not open anything from people you do not know or looks suspicious - end of story.
Online Predators
Once again due to the popularity of online social sites part of the crowd it attracts belongs more to the 'creepy' element. Although these sites do keep you out of immediate physical contact there are circumstances that could put you at risk. Strangers do not have need for any of your personal information. No matter how many messages you may pass back and forth with someone on one of these sites how well do you really know them? One of the most common social networking dangers is the creeps posing as your friend to get important and private information from you. Be friendly but do not share anything other than what may be reflected in your profile or perhaps casual interests. Quite frankly there is NO reason for someone to know anything other than this.
Remember what we all learned when growing up - do not talk to strangers!
Site Host
Unfortunately it appears that perhaps some of the more popular networking sites are getting a little too liberal with the use of members personal information. Now we will not mention names here but some sites are making 'subtle' changes to their 'policies' involving member privacy. It is up to each individual to protect themselves insofar as how much information they are willing to give these sites. Read all disclosures carefully and be forthcoming but at the same time particular in what you allow your profile to reflect about you.
With the growing number of people using social networking sites there also is an increase in the number of threats existing at many of these sites. Now many of these social networking dangers are not extreme enough to justify staying completely away however an awareness of them is important. It seems that the most popular social networking sites like facebook or twitter or more prone to attracting this type activity. But the fact of the matter is everybody should be aware of certain precautions they need to take for their own safety on the internet. The 3 most prevalent threats we discussed above can be easily avoided by practicing a little common sense during any online social networking activity. By taking certain precautions as recommended above you will make your online networking experience not only safer but also more enjoyable.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Social Networking Safety Tips
Social Networking sites provide a fantastic resource for people to meet new people and make new friends. From the comfort of their homes people can meet others from around the world, spending time chatting about an infinite variety of subjects and sharing photos, music, videos and more. In this virtual world it doesn't matter what people look like as many people use cartoon characters or artistic pictures in their profile. This gives many people the confidence to spend time with a huge variety of people from various backgrounds and diverse values and beliefs. It is clear that, by breaking down social barriers in this way, social networking sites are achieving a valuable result in redefining the way that people interact. But, amidst all the positives, it is clear that there remains the possibility for some people to abuse the system, using the freedom of information that the internet aims to provide for their own selfish - and often both illegal and abusive - reasons. For this reason it is essential that users of social networking sites are aware of some basic safety tips before logging in and starting the exciting process to meet new people and make new friends.
1. Never assume that people are who they say they are. We have already mentioned that some people use cartoon images or artistic photos as their profile pictures. Whilst there is essentially nothing wrong with this, it provides the opportunity for people to pretend they are somebody completely different. Just because a person's profile says they are a 16 year old female this is not necessarily true. It is possible that this person is actually much older, perhaps a male, and using these fake details to prey on younger people. Yes such cases are uncommon but they are far from unheard of and never assume that anybody is who they say they are.
2. Never disclose personally identifiable information on your page. Social Networking sites are viewable by a vast variety of people. As we have already suggested, this very fact is one of the reasons why they are so successful. But personally identifiable information such as your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, email address etc should not be displayed on your profile page. This may seem strict but identity fraud is a big issue and it doesn't take much information for fraudsters to be able to assume your identity and start carrying out a string of illegal actions in your name. Use only your first name or a nickname and leave the rest off of your page.
3. Do not lie about your age. It is important that you are honest about who you are in the same way as you would expect to be honest about who they are.
4. Remember that meeting somebody you have met online is extremely dangerous. If you are under 18 then we would propose the blanket guideline of never meeting anybody under any circumstances. As we have already discussed it is impossible to be certain that a person really is who they say they are and tragic consequences have been recorded of people meeting somebody they have met online. Guidelines offered elsewhere that people under the age of 18 should always go with a friend when meeting somebody have simply led to both young people being put at risk. So the advice is simple: do not arrange to meet somebody you have met online if you are under 18.
If you are over 18 and are determined to meet somebody then we would suggest some guidelines to follow.
- Try and speak to the person on the phone beforehand to reassure you that the person sounds genuine. Never give your own number out at this stage - use a public call box if necessary.
- Arrange to meet in a well lit, public place. A café or well lit bar would be ideal. Do not meet at a person's home or in a dark nightclub or similar.
- Ask somebody to come with you, at least for the first part of the meeting just to provide some support if required.
- Do not consume too much alcohol at your first meeting. Ensure that you retain control at all times. Ensure that you drink plenty of water or soft drinks as well.
- Never assume that a person is trustworthy and reliable simply due to the first hour or so of meeting them. Take any relationship slowly and do not put yourself in a vulnerable position until you are confident that you know that person.
5. Be very careful when uploading photos or videos containing pictures of yourself or friends. You should always get permission from others before uploading pictures containing themselves. Risqué and naughty pictures that might seem funny between close friends could easily be downloaded and possibly digitally altered by others before being redistributed. Do not upload pictures of nudity or similar (it is against the rules of most sites anyway) as this provides a clear temptation for other people to abuse.
6. Report any instances of concern as soon as possible to the site's moderators. Most Social Networking sites have a contact form that would be suitable to use. Don't be concerned that you are making a fuss or exaggerating a problem - the site authorities will look into it in detail and make their own judgement. But, for your own safety and the safety of others, please make sure you report any concerns you have.
Social networking sites, such as getsharing.com, are a fun, relaxing and innovative way to meet new people and make new friends. Following the simple guidelines above will help social networking become a safe and fun experience for all.
1. Never assume that people are who they say they are. We have already mentioned that some people use cartoon images or artistic photos as their profile pictures. Whilst there is essentially nothing wrong with this, it provides the opportunity for people to pretend they are somebody completely different. Just because a person's profile says they are a 16 year old female this is not necessarily true. It is possible that this person is actually much older, perhaps a male, and using these fake details to prey on younger people. Yes such cases are uncommon but they are far from unheard of and never assume that anybody is who they say they are.
2. Never disclose personally identifiable information on your page. Social Networking sites are viewable by a vast variety of people. As we have already suggested, this very fact is one of the reasons why they are so successful. But personally identifiable information such as your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, email address etc should not be displayed on your profile page. This may seem strict but identity fraud is a big issue and it doesn't take much information for fraudsters to be able to assume your identity and start carrying out a string of illegal actions in your name. Use only your first name or a nickname and leave the rest off of your page.
3. Do not lie about your age. It is important that you are honest about who you are in the same way as you would expect to be honest about who they are.
4. Remember that meeting somebody you have met online is extremely dangerous. If you are under 18 then we would propose the blanket guideline of never meeting anybody under any circumstances. As we have already discussed it is impossible to be certain that a person really is who they say they are and tragic consequences have been recorded of people meeting somebody they have met online. Guidelines offered elsewhere that people under the age of 18 should always go with a friend when meeting somebody have simply led to both young people being put at risk. So the advice is simple: do not arrange to meet somebody you have met online if you are under 18.
If you are over 18 and are determined to meet somebody then we would suggest some guidelines to follow.
- Try and speak to the person on the phone beforehand to reassure you that the person sounds genuine. Never give your own number out at this stage - use a public call box if necessary.
- Arrange to meet in a well lit, public place. A café or well lit bar would be ideal. Do not meet at a person's home or in a dark nightclub or similar.
- Ask somebody to come with you, at least for the first part of the meeting just to provide some support if required.
- Do not consume too much alcohol at your first meeting. Ensure that you retain control at all times. Ensure that you drink plenty of water or soft drinks as well.
- Never assume that a person is trustworthy and reliable simply due to the first hour or so of meeting them. Take any relationship slowly and do not put yourself in a vulnerable position until you are confident that you know that person.
5. Be very careful when uploading photos or videos containing pictures of yourself or friends. You should always get permission from others before uploading pictures containing themselves. Risqué and naughty pictures that might seem funny between close friends could easily be downloaded and possibly digitally altered by others before being redistributed. Do not upload pictures of nudity or similar (it is against the rules of most sites anyway) as this provides a clear temptation for other people to abuse.
6. Report any instances of concern as soon as possible to the site's moderators. Most Social Networking sites have a contact form that would be suitable to use. Don't be concerned that you are making a fuss or exaggerating a problem - the site authorities will look into it in detail and make their own judgement. But, for your own safety and the safety of others, please make sure you report any concerns you have.
Social networking sites, such as getsharing.com, are a fun, relaxing and innovative way to meet new people and make new friends. Following the simple guidelines above will help social networking become a safe and fun experience for all.
Kids and Internet
The Internet is a place wherein people can get information. Nowadays, people rely on the Internet for knowledge, added information, a way to communicate with loved ones, to be entertained and have fun. It can be used in a positive way but can be used negatively as well.
Internet is not safe for kids. They still need the guidance of their parents and guardian to surf the Internet. That is why Internet safety for kids should be advocated. Kids as young as 8 years old knows already how to surf the net and we must admit that there are sites which are not kid friendly. What do I mean by kid friendly sites? These sites are those which promotes good manners, right conduct, teaches a child on how to act properly and become a good citizen of his or her country.
We can help our kids in avoiding non-kid friendly sites by being with them when they open the Internet. We have to promote Internet safety for kids by avoiding sites which promotes violence, sex and other things that cannot contribute to the good upbringing of a child. You, as a parent should be computer and Internet savvy in order to help in monitoring your kids' activities.
Bookmark sites for your child, you can even install a software that will monitor your child's browsing and currently opened websites as well as software that will filter websites for your child. Know your child's school policy with regards to Internet safety. Make sure that you report any obscene, malicious and dangerous exchanges over the Internet. Report as immediate as possible.
Internet safety for kids should be seriously considered. Remember, it is your child's welfare which is at stake in here. In the future if this will not be controlled, it would pose as a serious problem to your child and the whole family as well. Be in control especially when you child is at home surfing the Net. Talk to your child of the dangers of the Internet and to be responsible in every actions made.
Internet is not safe for kids. They still need the guidance of their parents and guardian to surf the Internet. That is why Internet safety for kids should be advocated. Kids as young as 8 years old knows already how to surf the net and we must admit that there are sites which are not kid friendly. What do I mean by kid friendly sites? These sites are those which promotes good manners, right conduct, teaches a child on how to act properly and become a good citizen of his or her country.
We can help our kids in avoiding non-kid friendly sites by being with them when they open the Internet. We have to promote Internet safety for kids by avoiding sites which promotes violence, sex and other things that cannot contribute to the good upbringing of a child. You, as a parent should be computer and Internet savvy in order to help in monitoring your kids' activities.
Bookmark sites for your child, you can even install a software that will monitor your child's browsing and currently opened websites as well as software that will filter websites for your child. Know your child's school policy with regards to Internet safety. Make sure that you report any obscene, malicious and dangerous exchanges over the Internet. Report as immediate as possible.
Internet safety for kids should be seriously considered. Remember, it is your child's welfare which is at stake in here. In the future if this will not be controlled, it would pose as a serious problem to your child and the whole family as well. Be in control especially when you child is at home surfing the Net. Talk to your child of the dangers of the Internet and to be responsible in every actions made.
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