Check your privacy.

It may not always seem this way, but social media doesn’t have to mean sharing your whole life with the whole world. It may be worth taking a moment to think about exactly what you want to use social media for and how you can make your socials work for you. in real life, would you share the same things with your closest friends and complete strangers? If no, maybe it would be a good idea to create separate accounts for separate content. If you don’t like the idea of having an easily accessible record of your private conversations, maybe it would be good to see if there is a pin code option where you have to type a passcode in order to view the conversaiton, or a disappearing messages feature (where previous messages in the conversation are deleted after a certain amount of time). If you’re worried about someone getting into your social accounts, perhaps you could look into setting up two-factor authentication (also known as '2-step verification' or 'multi-factor authentication' - find out more about what it is and how it works here). Whatever social media platforms you use, they are guaranteed to have a whole host of privacy tips, tricks and settings. Take some time to explore them and customise what is right for you.     

Always ask ‘do they need to know right now?’

Maybe you’re having the best meal you’ve ever had at the latest restaurant to open on your street. Or you’re watching the most amazing sunset on your well-deserved summer vacation. The moment is just so awesome you want everyone to know about it right away... but do you really?

Posting pictures or information of your location in real time can leave you very vulnerable. Not only does it make it much easier for strangers to identify and find you, it also advertises that you are not at home, leaving an open door to professional criminals who are looking for an easy opportunity. Why not just enjoy being in the moment? It will leave you with so much more to reminisce on and talk about afterwards.

Always remember: Many platforms offer a ‘geolocation’ option, which attaches a location to your post when you make one. This means you can be sharing your location whenever you create a post without even realising. Make sure to review your location settings and turn ‘geolocation’ off when posting to avoid this happening.

Post smart.

What goes on the internet stays on the internet! Even with the most private of privacy settings, things that you post can be easily duplicated through copy-paste, screenshots, or downloads - even by people you think you know and trust.  Remember that potential employers may also go and look through your social media accounts to see whether they think you would make a good candidate, so maybe it’s best not to make that post saying that you skipped work to go out with your mates.

Let the ‘block’ button be your new BFF.

Social media does not represent reality, and so using it should be nothing but positive and enjoyable. Features such as ‘unfollow’, ‘block’ and ‘report’ are there to make sure you can shape your experience to exactly what you want. The ‘unfollow’ button (sometimes also called ‘snooze’ or ‘hide’) allows you to stop seeing posts with just one tap. Tired of seeing pictures of pickles from the ‘pictures of pickles’ Instagram account? Tap ‘unfollow’ and you won’t see them anymore. The ‘block’ button takes it one step further by stopping an account from seeing your posts, sending you messages, or otherwise interacting with you in any way. This can be very useful if someone is behaving aggressively or disrespectfully towards you and can reduce a lot of stress, time, and draining of emotional energy interacting with them. The ‘report’ button allows you to flag content and accounts as abusive or harmful, or as spam, which not only stops you from seeing the content but will alert whichever platform you are using so they can look into it and maybe save other users from any negativity as well.

Friend or Fake?

Great friendships and relationships can start online, but it’s always worth remembering that not everyone wants to be your friend, even if they say they do. There are billions of people hiding behind screens, meaning there is a chance you may run into someone that doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Whether you are bonding with a new friend over a mutual interest or looking for that perfect match on a dating app, stay alert for the vital signs that things may not be as they seem.

• Are they asking you to give personal information or information that can be used to identify you?

• Do they suddenly have an urgent problem that they need your help with?

• Are they asking for money, even if it’s the smallest amount?

Even if you think you trust them and really want to help, never give an individual any details they could use to identify you or take from you. This includes personal details such as your name, date of birth and home address, and/or financial details such as your account number, credit card details, or details of what you earn or how much you have in your account.

People with bad intentions can be very convincing, especially when playing on another person's fears, emotions, or good nature to get what they want. If you are wondering about the best ways to truly find the fake or call out the catfish, come along to Your SU’s financial scam workshops, as part of student money week, where you can find out all the info you need to help you stay smart and safe on socials and beyond!