Online Networking

Regardless of which sites you join, give some thought before you post any personal information. Why? Because revealing too much about yourself can expose you to online predators, identity theft or computer hackers. For parents, it's especially important to monitor your child's page. To avoid trouble, follow these guidelines:

1.Is your profile page publicly available or can you restrict access just to the people you specify, such as family and friends? Consider limiting access if this option is available.

2.Don't post sensitive information, for example, your full name and address, Social Security number, other identifying ID numbers, bank account or credit card numbers, and phone number. Think like a detective. If someone views your profile, could he or she locate you in the real world? If so, delete the offending data.

3.While it may seem innocent to post pictures or video from your last beer blast, how will it be viewed by a future employer? Many companies investigate job applicants with online searches. Remember, even if you eventually remove any questionable material, it may still remain somewhere in cyberspace. It could come back to haunt you later in life.

4.If someone contacts you, especially if you're not an adult, be wary. How do you know that this person is who he says he is? It's easy to lie about yourself online. Again, don't reveal private information.

5.Be particularly cautious if an online contact wants to meet you. Find out all you can about the person first. If you're a teenager or younger and you decide to meet, do it in a public place during the day. Bring along a parent or another adult, or an older brother or sister.

Social networking offers a terrific opportunity to connect with people and establish virtual relationships. But it's still no substitute for making friends in the real world.

Last update: Jan 7, 2010