This is the part of online social networking that really gets to me. I know to Tweet or Facebook is an easy way to stay connected to friends and family, but is it really necessary to share your every move with them? Do you think that your friends care that you just got up? We all get up everyday – so what’s the big deal? Then to post your plans for the day or talk about an upcoming vacation giving specific details on when, where and for how long. You are just opening you and your family up to danger. Remember – what you post on the Internet is pretty much open for everyone to see. You might as well be blunt and invite a potential robber to your house. There are too many stalkers out there in the world. Why subject your family, especially your kids, and your belongings to these kinds of predators?
But wait – there’s more about being safe and smart online. How about posting information about your current position or company? Employers are savvy to the fact that people vent and sometimes put information about their current work status online. Employers need to be aware of the company’s reputation that is being laid on the line by employees. Potential employers are even surfing online for information about potential candidates. Even bigger than this are colleges who are viewing potential students to see if they are academic material. Do you think an Ivy League school is going to accept someone who brags about being out all night partying? Sure most of us have probably partied during our college years, but we didn’t put it in writing and post it to the world.
Charles Brant (Brant, 2011) has posted the top 10 things to not post on social networking sites. There is a lot of value information to read in his article including reasons not to post pictures of your kids. After educating yourself, be sure to pass this information on your kids. KidSMART (2009) talks to your kids about smart online rules including telling a parent or caregiver if something doesn’t seem right.
I know that I limit what I say online – do you?
GoAnimate.com: Safe Social Networking by SpikeShelby
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References
Brant, Charles 2011
Top 10 Things You Should Not Share on Social Networks
How Stuff Works Inc., Retrieved 13 March 2011 from
KidSMART 2009
Childnet International, Retrieved 13 March 2011 from
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