Recently I was speaking before an organization on my favorite topic, “The Importance of Social Media in Politics”. This course includes how to use Facebook and Twitter to increase your search engine optimization (SEO) or quite simply, how to get to the top of a search engine chart.
Towards the end of the course a question was asked about how someone can stay safe on Facebook especially in this day and age of identity theft. I understand social media can be scary but there are ways to protect yourself online.
STEP 1: MAKE A FRIENDS LIST!
Making a friends list can be a little time consuming but worth it in the end. Grouping your Facebook friends into specific lists will help you hide certain parts of your profile from certain individuals. It is great for those who have clients online and/or co-workers because the Friends Lists will allow you have your Facebook be both personal and professional. Your co-workers and clients don’t need to see pictures of your kid’s soccer game if you don’t want them to.
To create a friends list, click on “friends” on the left-hand column. Next, click on “edit friends” button which can be found on the top of that section and then select the “create list” button to start creating your friends list. A pop up box will appear and you will be able to name your list and add friends.
It is that simple to make a friends list and start choosing what different groups can see on your profile.
STEP 2: WHO CAN SEE WHAT ON YOUR PROFILE
Now let’s start customizing your Facebook so certain aspects can be hidden. First you want to click on “Account”, then “Privacy Settings” and then “Customize Settings”. From here you can choose whether a group of friends can see your photos, videos and status updates.
STEP 3: DON’T OVERSHARE
The golden rule of Facebook is don’t say anything you don’t want others to read. Also make sure to take a moment and make sure your phone number and address is not listed on your profile, also avoid putting your full birthday as well.
Leave a Reply