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This is a guest post by Alvina Lopez.

How to Stay Connected Without Compromising Privacy & Security

You’ve probably heard complaints about social media revealing too much about those who use it. Particularly, services like Foursquare and Facebook have come under fire for revealing information that for many, is best kept secret.

When you use social media, you invite friends, family, and even strangers into your life. There’s nothing wrong with that-but you should take steps to ensure that your privacy and security are not violated in the process. Although social media is all about sharing, it is possible to be a part of the community without leaving yourself vulnerable.

Follow these tips to stay safe while still staying connected.

 Don’t share sensitive locations. Sure, it’s fun to let people know where you’re eating or what concert you’re going to see, but it’s completely another to share your home address or check in at your child’s daycare. Use discretion.

 Lock it up. If you just can’t help but overshare, keep your profile private. Set your Twitter to protect your tweets and only show updates to trusted Facebook friends. Don’t make it easy for unsavory strangers to find you, but at the same time, keep in mind that locking down your social media persona may prevent you from connecting with new people you’d like to get to know.

 Always assume everyone is listening. You can set your Twitter to private and block out all but your friends on Facebook, but it’s not difficult for information behind the curtain to find its way out. Before you send something out into the social media universe, ask yourself-would I want my grandma (or stalker) to see this?

 Be cautious when sharing vacations. It’s great fun to show off your vacation photos in real time, but keep in mind that while you’re discussing your trip, you’re also broadcasting that your home is probably empty. Be sure not to share how many days you’ll be gone, or whether or not your roommate or spouse is with you.

 Choose photos and videos carefully. We’ve all heard stories about teachers and employees getting fired over drunken or embarrassing pictures. Before you post, think about what an employer (current or potential), or even criminal might see. Could this information be used against you?

Social media should be a tool that impacts your life positively, not a vehicle for crime or embarrassment. By paying attention to details and being mindful about the information you share, you can keep social media fun without letting it become harmful.

This guest post is contributed by Alvina Lopez, who writes on the topics of accredited online colleges .  She welcomes your comments at her email Id alvina.lopez@gmail.com.

Further reading:

Its Not About The Which But The What

Foursquare Day – A Case Study In Awesomeness

Possible Problems With Social Networks

Facebook Affecting Business Opportunities

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