While it is common sense that the the simple rules of social etiquette would apply on the Internet, the number of people who violate them would astound you. And thanks to social networking websites, these violations are now more prevalent than ever. Not only do users broadcast their (very) personal lives, they openly attack people in ways they could never justify in the real world.
Therefore as a gentle reminder, here are 10 common sense things you should never share on social networks:
1. Passwords & Hints - Our first Suggestion should seem real obvious: don't post passwords on your Facebook wall. Other essential parts of modern security, however, may not be obvious. These include your secret question (and the answer), graphics from sign in seals, and other verification mechanisms. It may seem innocent, but these things can be faked by experts about as easily as typing in a password.
2. Personal Finance Information - Another obvious one. But there are many aspects: Your bank numbers (routing, accounts), card numbers, tax return info, stock portfolios, bills, anything which could be recorded and used against you by an unscrupulous party.
3. Address and Phone Number - We're on a role here. So many people are desperate for contact they often share their entire address or phone number on their social stream. They neglect the idea of potential stalkers, burglars, even mail and identity thieves.
4. Photos of Your Kids - As we post pictures of friends, family, vacation, and fun, we rarely think about the age of those in our pictures. Upon realizing our mistake, we might think: Nothing will happen, there are no dangers near by. Yet social networks like Facebook and Myspace are a haven for child predators. Why? World wide social databases eliminate geographical barriers.
5. Company Information - In this world of corporate espionage and contract secret agents, sharing your next big promotion on Linked In doesn't seem like all that good an idea to your employer. Sophos security says 63% of companies are afraid of what their employees share, so much so that many spend tens of thousands of dollars just to block social sites. Not to mention the quiet yet jealous employee just behind your shoulder..
6. Health Information - Another no brainer, in more ways than one. Seems obvious, but at the same time not (for some people). Those desperate enough might just help themselves to your new insurance policy via what they read on your social profile.
7. Personal Conversations and Private Life - Really. We don't want to know what you did 5 minutes ago, last night, or last week. Not multiple times a day, and in many cases not ever. What's worse, many people confuse the private messaging system with their public stream (Facebook wall, Twitter, etc) and post very private things for all to see. Serious complaints, personal issues, the works. If nothing else, just remember it's far less private than email!
8. Your Other Social Site Profile - What? That's right, the Myspace profile you created 10 years ago just might not be up to snuff versus what your potential new employer expects. Then again, complaining about work on a Twitter stream linked to from your Facebook page is the perfect way to get fired. Just read the news, you'll probably find a similar story every week.
9. Your Social Plans - Take the whole 'private conversations' concept one step further: add jealous friends, plotting enemies, and ex-lovers to your next social event and you have a perfect scenario for the next drama movie. Most major social networks have special 'invites' for social events. Send them out only to welcome parties and mention nothing else (unless you like the action).
10. Anything Else You Don't Want Public - Finally, just try to use common sense. Today's Internet is not private, unless you really know what you're doing (hint: most of us don't). Expect that anything you write, record, or photographic can and will be shared with everyone in the world! If you don't want other people to know about it - don't share it (and yes, that may include a simple message to just one person)!
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