Candice Ouellette, Jun 18, 2021Hooot Safety Tips: Social Media Safety
In honor of yesterday being National Selfie Day, this week's Safety Tip Tuesday post is all about keeping yourself safe on the internet! Social media has completely changed the way we interact with each other and use the internet. While posting pictures of ourselves and updating our friends on our day-to-day activities has become the norm, it has also proven to be a concern when it comes to personal safety. RAINN said it best - "What you choose to share on social media is always your decision, but what others choose to do with your information may not always be in your control." That's why we're breaking down a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to sharing things online!
Keep it private
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it's still important. Keep your profiles private. This will prevent potential creeps from seeing your activity. It's important to also understand how to block profiles and filter content. This way, you can limit your contact with people who may be attempting to use technology to hurt you or others.
Turn off location
Many social media sites request access to your location, and while they make it seem like it will make your life easier, the truth is it's often unnecessary. You can still get the most out of your social media experience without sharing your location. If you want to tag your location, consider doing so after you have already left. "Checking in," or geo-tagging a picture or Snapchat can share your exact location with people you may not want to have it.
Talk to your friends
Talk to your friends about public posts. Let them know what you are comfortable with allowing them to share that may include personally-identifying info about yourself, i.e. where you go to school, a picture of your house, your job, etc. Always ask permission before posting something about or with another person.
Stay up to date
Make it a habit to stay up-to-date with your privacy settings. Social media apps are constantly updating and changing their policies, and sometimes that could affect how your information is shared. Regularly check your settings across all platforms to make sure everything is as you want it.
Download Hooot
The unfortunate truth is that sometimes dangerous situations still unfold, even when you are careful about what you share online. Download Hooot to feel safer and stay connected, and make sure your friends are in on it too! Subscribe to Hooot's premium version to gain access to our new, voice-activated emergency services feature, putting you in contact with emergency services and providing them with precise, real-time location tracking.
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