Social Media Safety Tips this Holy Week

Traffic jams, long passenger lines, crowded resorts, fully-booked hotels – these are the common scenes in the Philippines during the holidays, including Holy Week. Aside from the Christian practices of reflecting, repentance and Visita Iglesia, this is also the time of year Filipinos travel and reunite with family and friends.

Some of us opt to stay home, and find an effective outlet for emotions and self-expression through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For some people, updating statuses and sharing photos have become part of their daily routine. But before you bare your soul in cyberspace, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

1) Don’t post your itinerary details.
Where, when, how long and with whom? Criminals hungrily seek for answers to these questions. But because you have already provided them with details, it will be easier for them to plan their modus, targetting either you personally or the home you left behind.

Police Chief Inspector Jay Guillermo of the Philippine National Police also reminds us to always check the settings of our mobile phones when using messenger/chat. Sometimes, your location appears on the message you sent—
another bit of information criminals can use against you.

2) Be a wise uploader.
Guillermo also advises the public to refrain from posting photos of your current activity or location. It would be better if posting is done after the activity so criminals will not be able to monitor your movements. Regularly check and edit the privacy settings of your account.

3) Think before you click.
Before making a harsh comment online or posting a controversial photo, consider first the possible consequences of your actions. This rule also applies to clicking on random links found on social media sites. You might fall into the trap of scams and computer viruses if you’re not careful.

4) Conduct a background check.
We, Filipinos, are known for being friendly and hospitable. There’s nothing wrong with making new friends but in social media, we have to be cautious in entertaining requests. Before confirming their requests, always check their background profile. Look at their photos, personal information and even their posts. But if you really want to be safe, only approve those whom you know personally.

5) Be in the know.
As we plan our activities for the Lenten Season, it is always better to monitor updates on the weather, public announcements and current events. Taking a break is not all about the enjoyment, one must also be aware of what’s happening. Awareness is the initial key to survival and safety of an individual.

Source: Philippine National Police (PNP)