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CA NEWS
TECH FEATURE
What not to post online
By Jaime Calder
Today, roughly seven out of 10 2. Your Upcoming Vacation look gullible, malicious or both. If you
Americans are using social media, aren’t sure, don’t share.
and older adults are no exception. It’s perfectly understandable that 5. Anything You Wouldn’t Say in
A 2016 study conducted by AARP report- you’re excited about your upcoming Person
ed that 71 percent of adults over the age adventures, but when you tell the Many people feel less inhibited on
of 50 are now using technology to keep in world the dates of your trip, you’re the Internet and consequently say
touch with friends and family. And while also telling them exactly when no things they would never say in face-
Facebook is by far the most popular so- one is going to be home. If you’re try- to-face conversations or feel free to
cial media platform, engagement has ing to find a pet sitter or someone to misrepresent who they really are. Be
been growing rapidly across a range of bring in your mail, talk to a neighbor mindful of what you post. Keep per-
social media sites – between July 2015 or contact a professional directly. If sonal information personal and don’t
and November 2016, use among adults you must post about your pending let your emotions run away with you.
ages 50-64 rose by 13 percent*. plans, make sure your post can only Before you post that angry reply or
be viewed by people you trust such hurtful remark, step away from the
There’s no mystery to the appeal of sites as close friends and family. The same screen for a moment. Remember:
like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. rule should apply when sharing pho- social media was designed to bring
They help us engage with distant rela- tos from your travels – if you can’t be us together, not to tear us apart. By
tives, reconnect with old friends, discov- sure who exactly will be viewing your being thoughtful and genuine, these
er new interests and, of course, share pictures, it’s better to wait until after sites can offer you just one more tool
our favorite photos. But with so many you’ve returned home before sharing to building and maintaining rich, re-
sites encouraging us to post every detail them online. warding relationships – both online
of our lives, it can be easy to lose sight and in real life.
of the things we shouldn’t share online. 3. Other People’s Announcements *Pew Research Center, 2016
Even if your privacy settings are as se- http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheet/
cure as they can be, being mindful on You’re going to be a grandparent?
social media can keep your posts from Congratulations! Your brother sold social-media/
hurting you – or someone you love. Next his company? Wow! Junior got into
time you’re online, think twice before Yale? Impressive! You spilled the Did you know?
sharing any of the following: beans on someone else’s announce- 86% of Americans are
ment? Not cool. Let others control currently Internet users.
1. Data Related to Personal and Fi- how they break their own big news – Percentage of online
nancial Security not only is it rude to steal their thun- adults who use...
der, but if you don’t know all the facts Facebook....................... 79
Your phone number. Your home ad- you may put that person in a compro- Instagram....................... 32
dress. Your mother’s maiden name. mising position. Pinterest.......................... 31
Keep any information that could be LinkedIn..........................29
used to steal your identity off of so- 4. Misinformation Twitter.............................24
cial media websites – that includes
any messaging services within those From celebrity deaths and medical Source: Survey conducted
sites. misinformation to unverified news March 7 - April 4, 2016.
reports and rumors about your neigh- “Social Media Update 2016”
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG bors – if you don’t know it’s a fact, don’t PEW RESEARCH CENTER
share it as though it were. Numerous
hoaxes, myths and misconceptions
can be debunked with a quick Google
search, while unsubstantiated gossip
from in and around your neighbor-
hood can damage others personally
and professionally. Plus, perpetuat-
ing false information can make you
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