The life of an average student is always filled with risks and challenges as one has to go through a plethora of different assignments and urgent deadlines. As one seeks helpful information and checks the facts, the use of social media for first-hand sources becomes quite common.
Unfortunately, it comes with serious risks, as the social media universe is not always safe! While many aspects will depend on the age of a student, there are things like cyberbullying, fake information, and the usual set of dangers like email phishing and criminals looking for certain data.
Luckily, there are certain ways to stay safe and avoid the risks!
Using Only Safe and Verified Sources.
We all know about the “look before you click” rule, yet when it comes to social media, we often think that we only use the links that remain inside the system. While Facebook and Instagram will alert you about an external link, it’s always good to check twice yourself.
Now, if you wish to go to your campus website or ask for assistance with your homework duties, it is vital to check where you go manually. Even as you share a write my essay message, and leave some social media page, hover your mouse over the link first and see where it leads just to be safe!
Learning About Existing Privacy Settings.
Not many students know that they can filter content and use numerous AI-based algorithms to avoid certain subjects or things that may make them feel disturbed.
Since we live in the age of world conflicts and war-themed subjects, seeing harsh images or 18+ content can be controlled.
The same is true for setting the list of those who can view your personal data and posts, which can help to sort out comments from strangers.
Turn Off Geolocation and Posting Certain Pictures.
When you post pictures and wish to remain safe, avoid taking pictures next to locations that can be easily recognized. While we all wish to become popular and check in at various places, it is always good to think twice and avoid it.
The least you can do on social media is to turn off the geolocation unless you wish to share your whereabouts intentionally.
Read Your Post Twice Before Posting.
The most important rule to consider is to read your social media posts twice before hitting that submit button. When we decide to talk about our medical appointment or discuss some revision provided by an X professor or a teacher, we often make the mistake of using specific names instead of keeping people’s privacy and remaining anonymous.
As a rule, students often regret posting because they have not read things twice and did not edit certain personal names and locations that have been used. It will only take you about five minutes, but you will keep yourself and other people safe!
Know How to Report Inappropriate Content.
When trouble comes, we often don’t know what to do and how to report cyber crimes or cyberbullying. If you are in the United States, you can get in touch with the local police station by taking screenshots and recording as much data as you can.
If you are not comfortable calling the police, you should get in touch with Stop Bullying dot org or Internet Crime Complaint Center by looking up the local branch close to your location.
When you are in trouble, time is always a critical factor, so make sure to have this information by hand.
Choosing What You Post Always Matters!
The majority of social media challenges happen when the users become initiators of trouble by posting information that should not be there in the first place. While it may sound a bit harsh, many students do not think twice before they share personal information or post pictures that they do not wish strangers to see.
Remember that once something is posted online, it will remain there and can be potentially used by your attackers. The less you share and the more cautious you remain by following basic cybersecurity rules, the better your situation will be.
Just think about setting your privacy settings on social media and do not accept friend requests from people you do not know or feel doubt about. Even this little rule alone will help you to remain safe!
