Social media can be a great tool, but it is easy to forget that you are sharing a lot of things publicly about yourself. The tendency to overshare can lead to identity theft, talking, and even professional consequences. So, before you make the mistake of posting these things, reconsider hitting that “post” button.
1. Your Location Through Check-Ins and Photos
I used to be someone who tagged my location in photos and even checked in when I was out to lunch. However, I realized that this can be a huge safety issue after I dealt with a stalker. That aside, criminals can also use this information to target your home when you are away. So, it’s best to post about your getaway or lunch date after you’ve already safely made it back home. Avoid sharing your location in real-time.
2. Your Home Address and Surroundings
I’ve never personally shared my home address on social media, but I’ve seen others do it. You might not realize that photos outside or near your house can reveal a lot of information about your location as well. Street signs, house numbers, or unique landmarks should be left out of any photos shared on social media. Again, this could make you a target for criminals or stalkers.
3. Your Daily Routine and Habits
Many social media influencers post about their daily morning routines and other habits. However, you should avoid consistently posting at the same times or places. This information could be used by people with ill intentions to get access to you. So, it’s best to avoid repetitive location tags and sharing too much about your routine.
4. Details About Your Children
Everyone loves to see photos of your kids, especially if your family is spread apart. That said, sharing too much information about them can be really dangerous. Never share the name of their school, location, or their full name and age. All of these things can put them at risk of falling victim to predators or scammers. It’s also a good idea to set stricter privacy settings for all posts involving children.
5. Your Vacation Plans
You’re probably excited about your upcoming vacation, but sharing information about it online is like an open invitation for burglars to check your home. Even if your social media accounts are set to private, your friends might share your plans with others without thinking. Again, wait until you’ve gotten back home to share any details about your trip.
6. Financial Information in Posts
You might be eager to share information about a new purchase, like a car or the latest technology. However, revealing these things can actually provide information about your financial status. It can also make you a target for scams or theft. Ultimately, a little discretion can go a long way.
7. Your Work Information
Updating your LinkedIn or sharing the latest details about your workday on Instagram probably feels harmless, but it can reveal critical details about your life. Disclosing this information can expose you to phishing scams. Hackers might use this information to craft a targeted attack. So, be aware of where you are sharing your workplace details online.
8. Relationship Drama or Changes
While people might enjoy the drama unfolding on social media, it’s not a good idea to post about these things. Oversharing in this way can make you vulnerable to unwanted advice, criticism, or harassment. Keep relationship updates to a minimum and try to stay away from posting about personal problems. This will help you protect your emotional privacy.
9. Clues About Your Passwords
You might like to share “fun” facts about yourself like your pet’s name, favorite movie, or even your childhood nickname. Unfortunately, these details are also typically used for passwords or recovery questions. You might even inadvertently share this information through a viral quiz or game. So, always be aware of what you are sharing about yourself online.
10. Your Health or Medical Information
Sharing posts about your medical treatments, prescriptions, or hospital visits can reveal more than you think. Insurance companies and employers might use this information to assess risks. Additionally, scammers might use these details to target you with health-related schemes. It’s a good idea to limit how much you share about your health.
Think Twice Before You Post
Just about everyone is on social media these days, but it can be risky if you aren’t considering what you post carefully. Keep these 10 things in mind before you post again. Make sure you are protecting yourself and your privacy.