Facebook is a fun and fulfilling way to connect with friends and family. However, it is easy to forget just how many people can access your private information and posts if you are not careful. By following these five simple steps, you'll be able to protect your Facebook profile from unwanted viewers.
1. Check your privacy settings.
It is always surprising how many people forget to take even the simplest step of making their Facebook account private. It is easy to set your account to private so that only people listed as friends can see your personal information and wall.
2. Approve tags.
Facebook now allows you to approve tags. If you set your account to require that you personally approve all tags before they are posted to your Facebook wall, then you will have control over what pictures appear in your profile and what posts specifically mention you by name.
3. Be careful when clicking on third-party applications or games.
Facebook games such as Farmville or Mafia Wars can be fun. Additionally, it is an amusing diversion to click on the many applications that aggregate past Facebook statuses or photographs and humorous and creative ways. However, it is important that you exercise caution when clicking on third-party applications. Many third-party applications ask to access your personal information. While in many cases, such as status aggregators, this is harmless as it is impossible for the application to run without doing so, in some cases third-party applications are invasive and will spam your friends or use your information in more nefarious ways. Because of this it is important that Facebook users do their research and exercise caution in clicking those third-party applications. Before you click on that fun game or application, carefully read their privacy policies and make sure the application is legitimate and using your information in ways you approve.
4. Use friend lists.
Facebook allows you to create friend lists and manage who can see what posts based on those lists. Additionally, Facebook has recently instituted "smart lists" that group friends into predetermined lists you can customize
5. Think before you post.
Finally, nothing can replace common sense. It is possible to make many changes to your Facebook account to protect your profile and private information so that only people you approve are able to see your posts and photographs. However, it is not possible to control what other people do with any information you post, including the people whom you consider your Facebook friends. Just because your mother or your boss it not your personal Facebook friend, or on a restricted list, it is wise to consider carefully what you post on the internet as once it is put out there, it can rarely be taken back.
1. Check your privacy settings.
It is always surprising how many people forget to take even the simplest step of making their Facebook account private. It is easy to set your account to private so that only people listed as friends can see your personal information and wall.
2. Approve tags.
Facebook now allows you to approve tags. If you set your account to require that you personally approve all tags before they are posted to your Facebook wall, then you will have control over what pictures appear in your profile and what posts specifically mention you by name.
3. Be careful when clicking on third-party applications or games.
Facebook games such as Farmville or Mafia Wars can be fun. Additionally, it is an amusing diversion to click on the many applications that aggregate past Facebook statuses or photographs and humorous and creative ways. However, it is important that you exercise caution when clicking on third-party applications. Many third-party applications ask to access your personal information. While in many cases, such as status aggregators, this is harmless as it is impossible for the application to run without doing so, in some cases third-party applications are invasive and will spam your friends or use your information in more nefarious ways. Because of this it is important that Facebook users do their research and exercise caution in clicking those third-party applications. Before you click on that fun game or application, carefully read their privacy policies and make sure the application is legitimate and using your information in ways you approve.
4. Use friend lists.
Facebook allows you to create friend lists and manage who can see what posts based on those lists. Additionally, Facebook has recently instituted "smart lists" that group friends into predetermined lists you can customize
5. Think before you post.
Finally, nothing can replace common sense. It is possible to make many changes to your Facebook account to protect your profile and private information so that only people you approve are able to see your posts and photographs. However, it is not possible to control what other people do with any information you post, including the people whom you consider your Facebook friends. Just because your mother or your boss it not your personal Facebook friend, or on a restricted list, it is wise to consider carefully what you post on the internet as once it is put out there, it can rarely be taken back.
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