Are You Safe on MySpace?

As soon as I get home, I check my MySpace account. Even college students use Facebook as an escape from their classes. There are countless websites to “expand your network” and to keep in touch with old friends. However you should always remember a few key tips to protect yourself:

1. Put your account on “private” so you can accept or decline friend invitations. Those who aren’t your “friends” won’t be able to read all of your information.

2. Never put your address or private information on your account.

3. People are not always who they seem. A “19 year-old female” might be a “59 year-old male.”

4. Employers often use Facebook and MySpace to scope out potential employees. They want to make sure that their employees seem professional in and outside of the work-place.

5. Keep tabs on your pictures. Make sure that there aren’t any inappropriate pictures of you or your friends floating around. You wouldn’t want your boss or grandparent to come across them.

Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are meant to be entertaining ways to meet new people. Be smart and use them to the right extent. It’s best to accept those you know well, and keep in touch with a few people.