Social networking provides the ability to interact in exciting new ways. Sharing pictures and interesting tidbits of information with people you may not have been in contact with consistently is an advantage with our new technology tools. However, it is necessary to remember that installing programs like games and gifts from social media sites will leave your computer vulnerable to malware attacks. Just because " there is an app for that," doesn't make it good for you or something that will be healthy residing on your computer.
Always remember that what you post publicly on the internet is available for everyone to see and show discretion accordingly. Never leave displays of your date of birth with the year, your street address, or your plans to be out of town. Don't post on walls, or reply to comments, or add to your profiles anything that you do not want the entire world to see. Privacy in the internet age doesn't really exist. What your online personae is and how you present yourself to the world is within your control.
Be very careful that you do not fall prey to scams. Just because an application came from Facebook doesn't make it safe. Scams can arrive via email that want to trick you into installing programs using the Facebook name to lend credibility. Always remain suspicious of anyone asking for your passwords or of suggesting that they can offer something that sounds too good to be true. Read more here and here for some examples.
The best way to learn what is possible with these environments is to get involved and look what others do. Copy the behavior you like. Stay clear of the things that annoy you. If you need assistance learning how to keep information private, we can help!
Jacqui Cheng does it again by writing a great article with step by step instructions and pictures from the very latest changes to the privacy features (click here to read it on Ars Technica) on how to play it safe with FaceBook.
