Use of social media has become more and more popular among businesses and individuals. Business owners are conceding to the fact that staying on top of this revolution can be a very important piece of marketing and public relations plans. Individuals are keeping people abreast of what’s happening in their lives. In the age of dynamic content and up-to-the-minute updates, the wealth of information can be overwhelming. However, there are some things social media users should avoid posting to the world.
Don’t give out your birth date and place. This can be useful information for anyone looking to steal your identity or try to figure out a social security number.
Don’t post vacation or travel plans. This is a personal invitation to burglars. Check out this article about burglars targeting homes based on Facebook updates. Wait until you return and then share pictures, but don’t let everyone know your house is unoccupied.
Don’t post financial information or brag about your latest raise. It’s generally not a good idea to share financial information, but particularly not when you are telling all of the world. Don’t boast about your raises, bonuses, income, personal assets, or lavish vacations.
Don’t complain about your boss or your place of employment. Additionally, don’t post pictures of your afternoon at the beach that was taken on a sick day.
Don’t share details about the whereabouts of your children. It might be tempting to post your excitement about your child’s first date or first dance, but you are also letting predators know where they will be and when.
Don’t share risky behaviors. According to Insure.com, insurers are using social media sites to identify potential behaviors that could increase insurance rates. Your latest cliff hanging adventure may be of great interest to your friends, as well as your insurance agent.
Think twice before “friending” co-workers. If your Facebook page is primarily used for personal social updates, you may be crossing a line of professionalism if co-workers are included. Do you want your boss to see the picture of you doing Karaoke? Determine what aspect of your life you will use social media for, and then only allow in those people who are involved in that aspect.
The IRS is watching. The IRS has recently used social media sites to nab delinquent taxpayers based on financial information they shared. Even if you don’t have tax issues, it pays to be cautious when putting this information into Cyperspace. Click here to read more about the IRS using social media.