Growing number of people from around the world are connecting into social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter hoping to connect with friends and family. Most of the users who registers with these websites believes it’s private and safe to use, but the truth is it’s not! Many people have already learned their lessons not to over share on social networks the hard way. Recently a man was jailed for 5 years, just because he tweeted a few words against his religion and just a few days ago a teenager was stabbed to death after insulting another user on Facebook. Believe it or not, thousands of these cases have been reported from around the world about people who got into trouble over a Facebook status or a Tweet. If you don’t be cautious, you could be next.
Over Sharing
Uploading funny photos of you messing around with friends or cursing and swearing is a common mistake many Facebook and Twitter users do without realising. These harmless actions eventually backfires when you want to build a good reputation online or even when applying for a job. Most companies and professionals use the Internet as a tool for research these days. So, don’t be surprised if they reject your application after finding an inappropriate photo of yours, while they are doing background check investigations on you.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is another great risk that puts you in danger. When you enter personal details such as passport-like photos, full name, home address, phone number and other details on social networking sites, you automatically become vulnerable to hackers who use these information to replicate identities. As a result, you may even end up on an adult website with a profile containing your own personal information. This is why you should always be careful not to share important personal details on social networks, at least not publicly.
Scams
How many times have you been fooled into sharing a false chain letter or clicking on a link that leads to a website filled with spam and useless information? Scamming people into sharing links, products, or websites is to be expected when using social networks. Be sure to check the validity of the links and ads on social networks, by doing a search on Google before clicking on them.
Catfishing
Social networks can be used for good, like connecting with friends, family or promoting a business. However, some people use these services with wrong intentions. “Catfishing” is another common way that people mislead social network users hoping to conduct a relationship online. Children and underage teens often falls victim to these online predators who use fake social accounts to interact with them. It’s the innocent children who eventually end up with tragic experiences.
Lack of Privacy
Have you ever read that long Terms of Agreement page before you register with Facebook or Twitter? Of course you didn’t, who has time for that, right? That’s the biggest mistake you’ve done. When you click to agree to these terms without actually reading it, you give these social networks unlimited power to use your personal data in any way they want. You may not know this, but even Facebook and Twitter sells your personal information to other companies in order to make better advertisements and promotions. And they also have full control over your accounts as well. Basically, using social media means you have very little control over your own data.
