5.Staying Safe on Social Media

Social media can be enjoyable, but it is important to use it safely.

Protect Your Personal Information

Avoid posting:

• Your home address

• Phone number

• Bank account information

• Credit card numbers

• Passwords

• Social Security number

• Travel plans while you are away

Even information like your birthday or hometown can sometimes be used by scammers.

Use Strong Passwords

Choose passwords that:

• Are long and difficult to guess.

• Include letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Are different for each account.

• Do not contain birthdays or common words.

Review Your Privacy Settings

Most social media platforms allow you to choose:

• Who can see your posts.

• Who can send you friend requests.

• Who can contact you.

• Whether your profile appears in searches.

Review these settings occasionally to make sure they match your preferences.

Be Careful With Friend Requests

Not everyone online is who they claim to be.

Some fake accounts are created to:

• Collect personal information.

• Spread scams.

• Send harmful links.

• Pretend to be someone else.

Only accept friend requests from people you know or can verify.

6.Common Risks on Social Media

Be cautious if you see:

🚩 Fake profiles pretending to be someone else.

🚩 Messages saying you won a prize you never entered.

🚩 Requests for gift cards or money.

🚩 Emotional posts trying to make you angry or afraid.

🚩 Fake news or shocking headlines.

🚩 Links from people you do not know.

🚩 Messages asking for passwords or verification codes.

If something feels suspicious, do not click the link or respond.

Remember: Real Organizations Have Rules

Legitimate businesses, banks, and government agencies will not contact you through social media messages to ask for:

• Your password.

• Your Social Security number.

• Your bank account information.

• Gift cards.

• Payment through cryptocurrency.

If you receive a message like this, it is likely a scam.

7.Be a Thoughtful Sharer

Before sharing a post, ask yourself:

• Who created this?

• Is the information from a trusted source?

• Does it seem unusually emotional or shocking?

• Have I seen the same information reported elsewhere?

Taking a few moments to verify information helps prevent misinformation from spreading.

8.What Should You Do If You're Unsure?

It is okay to ask for help.

If you are uncertain about a message, friend request, or post, ask:

• A family member.

• A trusted friend.

• A librarian.

• A community technology volunteer.

There is no shame in asking questions. Everyone continues learning as technology changes.

✨Practice Activity✨

Imagine you receive a friend request from someone you do not recognize.

Ask yourself:

• Do I know this person?

• Do we have mutual friends I trust?

• Does the profile look complete and genuine?

• Is there any reason to be suspicious?

If you are unsure, it is safest to decline the request or wait until you can verify who the person is.

Remember

Social media can help you stay connected, learn new things, and enjoy your favorite hobbies. By protecting your personal information, thinking before you share, and being cautious of unexpected messages, you can enjoy social media more safely and confidently.

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