Facebook Safety Tips

I know your address, phone number, and birthday. In addition to that, I know where you work, who your friends are, and where you took a trip last summer.

Facebook is a place where nearly all of our information is published for both friends and non-friends to view. Having access to one's profile provides a variety of information for the viewer. The user's favorite: television shows, books, and music are all contained in the person's profile. The amount of information people put on Facebook is alarming and could lead to serious issues down the road.

With more than 200 million active users, Facebook has opened its doors to everyone from almost every walk of life. By accepting a person's "friend request", you are granting access to all of the above information. The idea of almost anyone having access to that much information about them has kept some people to become a bit more cautious. However, a good portion of users continue to use Facebook in a nonchalant manner.

For those interested in making their information less public, this article will provide several measures to keep members safe.

Be Cautious of Friend Request

Some members have over a thousand friends and do not know half of them. This can present a problem. Would you walk up to a person and tell him all of your information about your life, simply because he said hello to you? By making sure you are not accepting friend request from people you do not know, you will be one step closer to having a safer Facebook.

Phone Numbers

Make sure you do not post your phone number on Facebook. Making your phone number public gives everyone on your Friend List the ability to call you. An actual friend should already have your phone number. If they do not have your phone number, they could either private message you, or ask another friend. While it is wonderful for a friend to get instant access to your phone number, it is not safe to give everyone access to your number.

Beaware of Facebook Applications

Downloading Facebook applications can make your online experience more enjoyable. However, there is a cost. By adding an application to your profile, you are granting that company access to your profile.

Do Not List Your Address

Users from your Friend List have access to your home address if you publish it online. Same case as having your phone number on the internet, friends should already have your address. If they do not have your address, they could contact you or ask a friend to get the information.

Watch What You Write

When you write something on someone's wall or your own profile, a large number of people have access to the statement. Remember to think twice before writing something that could cause problems.

The main thing to remember about Facebook, is to only provide information you would not mind someone else having. It is impossible to determine who has seen the information you have published. By publishing only information you do not mind being public, you should have very few worries. Facebook is a great way to connect people, but it does present safety issues for those that are not careful.