John Dalezios
- Posted on
In our modern era, a considerable chunk of our daily lives plays out on social media. From checking in on old friends on Facebook to sharing that perfect Instagram shot or scrolling through the latest trends on Twitter, these platforms have become intrinsic to our routines. But as we integrate them into our lives, it’s crucial to understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
1. The Importance of Privacy Settings on Social Media
Every social media platform provides users with privacy settings, but their importance often goes overlooked.
Protecting Personal Information: Social media platforms request a lot of personal information: birthdates, locations, schools, workplaces, and more. While sharing some of this can help reconnect with an old schoolmate or colleague, it’s also information that identity thieves love to get their hands on.
Limiting Audience Reach: Maybe you don’t want your boss to see photos from the party last weekend. Or perhaps you don’t want potential employers finding politically charged tweets from years ago. Adjusting who can see what on your profile can save a lot of potential headaches.
Avoiding Unwanted Interactions: We’ve all heard about or experienced online harassment, cyberbullying, or simple spam. Effective use of privacy settings can shield you from much of this unwanted attention.
Action Steps: Dive into the privacy settings of your social media accounts. Make sure you’re comfortable with what’s public, who can send you messages, and who can see your posts.
2. How Algorithms Use Your Data to Shape Your Feed
Every ‘like’, share, and even scroll is data for the social media machine. But how do these platforms use this data?
Personalized Content: Based on your interactions, platforms like Facebook or Instagram will determine the type of content you prefer. If you often interact with dog videos, expect to see more of them. If you regularly read and share tech news, your feed will reflect that preference.
Ads Targeting: Ever wonder why after searching for shoes, you’re suddenly bombarded with shoe ads? Platforms use your browsing history, linked email accounts, and even location data to serve you “relevant” ads.
Echo Chambers: One side effect of personalized content is the creation of echo chambers. If you often interact with a particular viewpoint or type of content, the algorithm recognizes that and shows you more of the same, sometimes leading to a narrow view of broader topics.
Action Steps: Occasionally clear your search history and diversify the content you interact with to get a more balanced feed. Also, explore settings to opt-out of personalized ad targeting where possible.
3. Controlling Your Digital Footprint on Major Social Platforms
Your digital footprint is the mark you leave online, and on social media, it’s particularly evident. Here’s how to control it:
Regularly Review Your Content: Every few months, scroll through your profiles. You might find that what seemed like a good post a year ago no longer represents who you are today.
Limit Old Posts: Platforms like Facebook allow you to limit the audience of old posts en masse. This way, even if someone were to dive deep into your profile, they might find nothing before a certain date.
Be Wary of Third-party Apps: Often, we give permissions to games or quiz apps without a second thought. These can access your data and sometimes even post on your behalf. Regularly review and prune these permissions.
Google Yourself: This is the best way to see what’s out there about you. If unwanted content pops up, you can take steps to have it removed or at least know what potential employers or contacts might find.
Action Steps: Dedicate an afternoon to deep-clean your social media. Remove old posts, check permissions, and see what the internet knows about you. Also, consider using an alias or pseudonym for less formal platforms.
Conclusion:
Social media offers a world of connection and content at our fingertips. But as with any powerful tool, it’s essential to use it wisely. By understanding and controlling your privacy settings, being aware of the algorithms at play, and managing your digital footprint, you can enjoy the benefits of social media while minimizing its potential pitfalls.
