Sharing information about yourself online has its risks: fraud, identity theft, stalking, cyberbullying, burglary, violent crime, damage to your reputation (personal and professional) and more. Whatever you share online will always have its trace online, even if you delete it.
When it comes to social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we are encouraged to share the minutiae of our lives. When it comes time to deciding what should be shared online, experts suggest avoiding sharing information, photos or videos that reveal the 3 W’s:
- Who you are with
- Where you are going
- When you will arrive
These tips are a good guide for all of us and are especially useful when talking to kids about safety, as the 3 W’s are an easy guide to remember.
For a more in-depth conversation about maintaining privacy online, check out this list of what not to share online.