8 steps to social media smarts

Privacy settings can sometimes be confusing, but they are crucial for protecting your information online. Many social media platforms allow you to control who sees your posts and personal information. It’s essential to review these settings regularly or ask for help setting them up.

In addition to locking down your Facebook and other social media privacy settings, be aware scammers are everywhere. Always double-check friend requests and links to ensure your friend’s account hasn’t been breached. Also, be sure to ask before sharing another person’s content.

Don’t share personal information in public posts or in public forums. Avoid sharing personal documents or pictures of important identification cards (driver’s license, passport) on social media. Avoid sharing your location or checking in at every place you visit.

They say the internet is forever. While that’s not always true per se (a recent Pew Research Center study found many links on news, government, social media and Wikipedia sites are broken), it’s probably best to be overly cautious online and assume that anything you put out there is “forever.”

For example, according to CNN, any post, whether it’s an email, social media comment or direct message, is typically saved on the user’s device, the recipient’s device, and on the servers owned by a company whose platform you used. Ideally, if the user who generated the content deletes it, the content should disappear from all three locations. But generally, it doesn’t happen that easily. Even if the platform deletes the post, or you delete it from Facebook, for example, someone else might have already copied the picture or post you put out there.

So … be thoughtful and careful about what you post.

The internet is chock-full of differing opinions and heated discussions. Folks should keep in mind that not every thought in their head needs to be shared, and to treat others with respect, even when you disagree with them.

Social media is most rewarding when you engage with content that enriches your life. Comment on family members’ posts to feel closer to them, and join groups that align with your hobbies.

Technology changes quickly, and it’s OK to feel like you’re always learning something new. Many communities and local libraries offer classes specifically designed to help people become savvy social media users.

There are tools and features designed to make using social media easier for those who may not be as tech-savvy. Features like voice search on YouTube, “Favorites” on Facebook to prioritize family members’ posts, and setting up notifications for specific group activities can streamline and enhance your online experience.