Psychotherapist Thomas Kersting recently appeared on “Fox & Friends Weekend” to discuss Denmark’s initiative to ban social media for children under the age of 15. This move aims to address growing concerns regarding the psychological effects of social media on young minds. As social media platforms proliferate, they pose significant risks, including oversharing personal information and exposure to scams.
To navigate this digital landscape safely, users should adopt a few practical measures to protect their privacy online. By implementing straightforward settings and habits, individuals can enjoy their social media experience while minimizing potential risks.
Key Privacy Tips for Social Media Users
Here are five essential tips to enhance online safety:
1. **Turn Off Location Sharing**
Many social media applications automatically tag users’ posts with location data, inadvertently revealing personal routines and home addresses. To disable location sharing, users can follow these steps:
– **On iPhone**: Access Settings, tap Privacy & Security, then Location Services. Select the desired app and set it to “Never” or “While Using the App.”
– **On Android**: Navigate to Settings, tap Location, then App permissions. Choose the app and toggle location off or select “Don’t allow.”
Taking this step reduces the risk of scammers gathering information about users’ lives.
2. **Use a Private Account**
Switching to a private account on social media platforms limits visibility to only approved followers. This is akin to locking your front door to keep unwanted visitors out. To set accounts to private:
– **Facebook**: Go to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, and adjust the Audience & Visibility settings.
– **Instagram**: Open your profile, tap the menu, then Account Privacy, and toggle on Private account.
– **TikTok**: Access your Profile, tap the menu, select Settings and privacy, then Privacy, and toggle on Private account.
3. **Report Suspicious Accounts**
Fake profiles are widespread, with scammers impersonating friends or well-known figures. Reporting these accounts helps protect users and the broader community. To report an account:
– **Facebook**: Visit the fake profile, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Find support or report profile.”
– **Instagram**: Access the profile, tap the three-dot menu, and select Report.
4. **Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)**
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making unauthorized access more difficult. Users can set up 2FA through the following methods:
– **Facebook**: Navigate to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Tap Accounts Center, followed by Password and Security, and select Two-factor authentication.
– **Instagram**: Go to your profile, open Settings, then Accounts Center, and choose Two-Factor Authentication.
5. **Check Your Photos Before Posting**
Images can inadvertently disclose personal information, such as house numbers or license plates. Before posting pictures, consider these quick fixes:
– Crop or blur backgrounds that reveal personal details.
– Avoid posting in real-time while traveling to prevent disclosing your absence from home.
Minimizing Your Digital Footprint
Reducing the amount of personal information shared online can significantly decrease the likelihood of identity theft and scams. Every online interaction leaves traces that fraudsters can exploit. Limiting data available publicly makes it more challenging for scammers to create convincing impersonations.
Services that monitor and remove personal details from people-search sites can help manage online privacy. Such services work to scrub information from numerous sites, providing peace of mind to users concerned about their digital presence.
By adopting these strategies, users can maintain control over their social media interactions while enjoying the benefits of connectivity. Staying safe online is not about abandoning social media; it’s about taking proactive steps to secure personal information. Have you encountered scams or fake accounts online? Share your experiences to help others navigate the digital world safely.
