6 Common Social Media Privacy Issues Every Teenager Should Know About -

In today’s modern society, social media is more than just a tool to stay connected with close ones. It’s a platform for self-expression, a medium of news and entertainment, and even a tool for activism.

But, for teenagers, understanding the complexities of social media can be difficult. Beyond the fun and games, there are serious privacy concerns they are oblivious to. Teenagers must be aware of these issues so they can use social media safely. Careless online behavior or lack of understanding about privacy settings can cause long-lasting consequences. These include identity theft, cyberbullying, or damage to prospects.

In today’s blog post, we’ll explore six common issues every teenager should be aware of.

#1. The Illusion of Anonymity and Oversharing

You might think your online profiles are private, but the reality is, that even seemingly anonymous platforms can track your data. Every like, comment, and share leaves a digital trail, often linked to your real identity.

Sharing unnecessary personal information, like your physical address, school, or phone number, can put you at risk. Recent events have highlighted how seemingly private information can be collected and used without users’ knowledge or consent. This, further, leads to privacy breaches and misuse of data.

The Facebook location tracking lawsuit reveals that the platform tracks user activity even after logging out of the app. The app collected data on visited websites and interactions with other apps. Then, the company processed users’ online histories into profiles and sold them to third-party advertisers.

Following these allegations, Facebook agreed to a $90 million settlement, saying it was the best way to avoid the costs and risks of a trial. This case is a stark reminder that what you do online isn’t always as private as you think.

#2. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Cyberbullying is a severe topic affecting many teenagers. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying happens online and can be relentless. Social media platforms have tools to report and block harassers, but these tools are not always effective.

A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 46% of US teenagers (ages 13 to 17) experienced some kind of cyberbullying. Over 30% of teens reported being name-called, whereas, 22% experienced false rumors spread about them. Another 7% say they have received their non-consensual explicit images. Finally, over 25% of teens report experiencing multiple forms of cyberbullying.

One contributing factor to these problems is the accessibility of personal information online. Cyberbullies may use details about a victim’s interests, location, or social circles to target them more effectively. Protect yourself by keeping your profiles private and only accepting friend requests from people you know.

The recent Instagram lawsuit highlights the severe effect of social media on mental health, especially in teenagers. The lawsuit claims that the platform’s algorithms prioritize engagement over user well-being, often exacerbating issues like cyberbullying. This legal action underscores the importance of recognizing and minimizing the risks linked with social media use.

If you experience abuse, report it to the platform and talk to a trusted adult.

#3. Location Tracking and Geotagging

Many social media apps have location-tracking features. Geotagging adds your location to posts, which can be dangerous. Sharing your location publicly can make you vulnerable to strangers knowing your whereabouts.

To maintain privacy, turn off location services for social media apps. Share your location only with trusted friends and family. Regularly check your settings to verify your location isn’t being used without your consent.

#4. Data Mining and Selling

Social media platforms extract massive amounts of data from users. This data includes personal details, browsing habits, and even purchasing behavior. Businesses use this metadata to create targeted ads. For example, you’ll see more fashion-related ads if you often search for fashion items.

A Surfshark study found that the more popular the app, the more metadata it collects. Further analysis revealed all Meta-owned apps, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, collect 32 types of sensitive customer data. Apple’s App Store all flags these data types. Moreover, it also recommends avoiding Google products if you want privacy when browsing, reading emails, or watching online videos.

Adjust privacy settings to limit data sharing. Most platforms let you control who sees your information. Be cautious about what you share and consider who might see your posts. TruLaw suggests staying up-to-date with recent developments, as it helps understand how these practices can impact you.

#5. Third-Party App Permissions

Several third-party apps require access to your social accounts or personal information in exchange for their services. However, review these permissions and be selective about what access you grant.

Some apps may collect more data than necessary, exposing your information to security breaches or misuse. Take the time to understand what information an app requests and consider whether the trade-off is worth it.

Restrict access to any app you no longer use or trust. Regularly checking these permissions can help protect your information.

#6. Phishing Scams and Fake Accounts

Phishing scams are meant to deceive you into sharing your personal information. These scams are often messages or emails that look legitimate. Fake accounts may also try to connect with you to gather information or spread malware.

Be cautious of messages from unknown users. Avoid clicking suspicious links and never share your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.