Staying safe on social media

Social networks have become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to connect with friends, family, and colleagues from all around the world. However, while these platforms offer a convenient way to stay connected, they also present potential risks to our privacy and security.

In this article, we will discuss some ways to keep safe on social networks and provide instructions on how to set up privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

  1. Use Strong Passwords

The first step in keeping safe on social networks is to use strong passwords. Create unique and complex passwords that are difficult to guess. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password for different accounts, and change your passwords regularly.

  1. Be Careful What You Share

Be mindful of the information you post online. Do not share sensitive information such as your full name, address, phone number, email, or financial information. Avoid posting pictures that can identify your location, especially if you are traveling. Keep in mind that everything you share online can be accessed by others, so think twice before posting.

  1. Set Up Privacy Settings

One of the most important things you can do to keep safe on social networks is to set up privacy settings. Here’s how to do it for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:

Facebook Privacy Settings:

  • Click on the down arrow on the top right of the Facebook page and select “Settings & Privacy.”
  • Click “Privacy Shortcuts.”
  • From here, you can adjust your privacy settings for your posts, profile, activity, and more. You can also access additional settings by clicking on “Privacy Checkup.”

Here’s the link to Facebook’s privacy settings page: https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=privacy

Instagram Privacy Settings:

  • Go to your profile and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
  • Click “Settings.”
  • Click “Privacy.”
  • From here, you can adjust your privacy settings for your account, activity, and more.

Here’s the link to Instagram’s privacy settings page: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/privacy_and_security/

Twitter Privacy Settings:

  • Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Settings and Privacy.”
  • Click “Privacy and Safety.”
  • From here, you can adjust your privacy settings for your Tweets, Direct Messages, and more.

Here’s the link to Twitter’s privacy settings page: https://twitter.com/settings/privacy

TikTok Privacy Settings:

  • Go to your profile and click the three dots in the top right corner.
  • Click “Privacy.”
  • From here, you can adjust your privacy settings for your account, videos, and more.

Here’s the link to TikTok’s privacy settings page: https://www.tiktok.com/@username/settings/privacy

  1. Be Wary of Friend Requests

Be cautious when accepting friend requests from strangers. Check their profiles and see if you have any mutual friends. If you do not recognise them, it is best to decline their request. Remember that some people may create fake accounts to scam or harass others, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

  1. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

Make sure to keep your software up-to-date, including your web browser, operating system, and antivirus software. This will help protect you from malware and other security threats.

In conclusion, social networks are a great way to stay connected with others, but it’s crucial to keep your privacy and security in mind. By following these tips and adjusting your privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, you can help protect yourself from potential risks. Remember, the more you do to protect your information, the safer you will be online.