I’m concerned for people and their well-being. How is it, that people tell the world what they are up to and where they are going…well, all those other than who they should. I know it’s ‘popular’, but definitely not safe and with Facebook, it’s too easy.
I understand that people want others to know they tried the cool restaurant or went to THE place. Sadly, too many people do it when they arrive instead of posting about it later, either when they are leaving or even later that day. I know, we all like to think that what we say on Facebook is safe and only our approved friends can see our posts, but that just isn’t true.
Before, social media took off, people were able to find out more about you than you thought possible. In college, I was stalked around my college campus and threatened for even talking to someone he didn’t approve of; don’t think this was a boyfriend because I was with someone else and he was just a jealous guy that thought he could make me his. I finally had to step into action when I was talking to a guy on campus about a project and the aforementioned guy walked up, shoving him out of the way, walked up to me, grabbed me by the upper arms and started shaking me, then, yelling at me.
Another instance of false security, I put an ad in the newspaper trying to get rid of an item that I didn’t want any longer and received a phone call about it and turned out to be a friend from high school. I thought it was great to reconnect with someone from my past, boy, was I wrong. Turned out that he had no interest in the item, but we talked a little while on the phone and caught up. I thought it was over and I was heading back to college very soon. A couple days later, I heard something outside and went to see what was going on, but even in the sunlight saw nothing. I headed back in when someone called my name and I turned, it was the friend I had spoken with on the phone. At first, I was excited and was courteous and invited him because I thought he was safe. I’d known him for years, hung out many times and never gave me any reasons to not trust him.
We went inside and sat down on the couch, catching up. Only realizing then, I hadn’t invited him, let alone give him my address and since I had moved since we last saw each other, I asked him. He told me that in his profession, he had an ability to reverse look up all addresses, even if your number wasn’t listed. I knew then, something was off. So, I suggested we headed out for a walk, but he leaned in for a kiss, which I rejected. I was In a long time relationship, with which, I was happy.he then tried to pin me down and paw at me. I managed to squirm away. Then, the phone rang, it was my boyfriend. Somehow, the guy knew and threatened me to not mention him or anything that happened or else. I was downright petrified, but I tried to give clues that were unsuccessful. Somehow after that, I got outside and away. Battered and bruised, but it could been worse… much worse! I never did anything about what happened that day, though I should have.
So, if things were so easy then, why do people help those people now? I know social media is a great addition to our lives. I know that most people would never do what these people did. But, that doesn’t help with the few that will. So, I encourage less information on your page. Unless you know the person, most don’t really need to know the actual city that you live in, mentioned in the about section. They don’t need the year of your birthdate, whether you care how old you are or not. Really, you’re protecting yourself, family and even friends!
I hope this will make you think just a little more about your Facebook information… And how much of what you’re posting, you really don’t need to for the sake of someone you love.
