More and more, social media is becoming part of the mainstream for business and personal connections. Whether one uses MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or other internet site, whatever gets posted is there for the whole world to see. It creates an amazing opportunity for businesses to connect to other businesses and potential customers, taking products and services to a whole new realm. For friends, it’s a great way to stay in touch and to let everyone know the latest gossip. Social media sites are also a great way for businesses to snoop on employees, criminals to steal personal information, and others to see what might only be meant to see by a select few.
The internet is forever. Anyone currently working in that perfect job or seeking to land one should consider this before posting any information that may be found, and frowned upon, by their employers or future employers. It’s easy to think there’s no harm in posting those wild party photos from last week’s big get-together for friends to see, but by doing so, it won’t be just the friends who see it. It is becoming more common these days for businesses to do some online sleuthing of their employees, and if they see something they don’t like, however innocent, it could lead to being fired, laid off, or keep one from getting a job at all.
For those with their own businesses, it is important, as well, to limit postings of personal information online. Potential customers can be very finicky about who they do business with and may go somewhere else if they are offended by questionable pictures or statements made to friends and acquaintances. Though what one says or does online may be meant for a chosen few, it’s not difficult for others to find it.
Most importantly, there are many predators online just looking for the opportunity to steal one’s personal information, such as a credit card number, or worse yet, to lure a young child to unspeakable acts. For children and adults alike, knowing what not to say can be the most important lesson to learn about online communication.
Never give out social security numbers, credit card numbers, or other information to a site that is unfamiliar. Never provide such information to any unsolicited inquiry, even if it appears to be from a legitimate site. If there is any question about a site’s validity, log in to their site independent of any links that may be provided. Never click on links from a source that is questionable. Thieves have become quite savvy online and can be quite convincing when they’re out to steal one’s information. Don’t give them that chance.
Children, and adults, too, should never give out information such as what school they attend, home or work address, phone numbers, or any other information that can lead a predator to their front door. Social mediasites are a popular hunting ground for violent criminals looking for easy prey.
Social media is a great way to stay connected, but think about what’s being posted and how it can affect one’s career or safety. Have fun online, but be careful.
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