Social media applications such as TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram help you stay in touch with family and friends. We are spending more time apart than ever before, so connecting online can be crucial … but are you safe? It is important to remember that these platforms can pose risks.

Whether you are a professional influencer or just getting started on social media, you need to think about cybersecurity and protecting your personal data. Here are some ways keep your account secure and enjoy your online social life.

Your data is worth billions to social media companies, so pay attention to what data is being requested. Even if a social media app or website never asks for your data outright, you should assume it is still being collected. Routinely check your privacy settings and ensure that everything is within your comfort level.

Some apps request permission to allow them to always have access, but you do not have to agree. Unless these settings are required for the app to function and you trust the app, the following should be set to OFF or DON’T ALLOW: camera, microphone, location and sync contacts.

Two-factor authentication requires anyone logging into an account to prove their identity through username, password and then another way, such as responding to a text. This makes it extremely hard for hackers to access your online account, even if they know your password.

Social media accounts should be protected by a password using three guiding principles:

Length is more important than complexity. A longer password is harder to hack.
Never reuse passwords. This way if one account is compromised, the other accounts remain secure.
Use a password manager to keep track of all those unique passwords.

Use common sense and be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social media networking sites. The more your post, the easier it is for someone to use that information against you. Also, be careful about who can see your social media posts by limiting who is able to see or engage with your content.

Think about everything you post because nothing is ever fully “deleted” online. This is true even for apps that automatically delete posts, like Snapchat. Anyone can screenshot what you post and save that image forever.

Be choosy about friends and followers. If you are trying to be an influencer, create an open profile or fan page that encourages broad participation but limits your personal information. Use your personal profile to connect with your real-life friends.

While cyberbullying is often framed as an issue for children, anyone can be a victim. If you are being cyberbullied, just block them! Every platform has simple ways to block and report users who engage in bullying behavior.

Beware of phishing. Cybercriminals may use fake emails, social media posts, etc. with the goal of luring you to click on a bad link or download a malicious file. If you receive a suspicious message, assume it is phishing, delete it and report it to the social media platform.

In summary, it is easy to use social media wisely and mindfully. Consider your intentions, remind yourself to be present, be authentic, and avoid negativity.

Here are four articles for further reading:

“Keeping teens safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids,” American Psychological Association, May 9, 2023

“A Teens Guide to Social Media Safety,” Safe Search Kids

“How to Use Social Media Wisely and Mindfully,” By Ravi Chandra, January 19, 2018, Greater Good Magazine

“Kids and social media: Online safety tips every parent should know,” by Clare Stouffer, March , 2022, Norton

Here are today’s Wellness Wednesday Program book suggestions: