As I have discussed in previous posts, it is very important to fill out your contact information in your social media profiles. Especially when it comes to other social media profiles as well as websites. At the same time, you will want to be mindful with what other information you want to include.

Think about this. Social networking sites are in a sense communities of their own. One would only assume that only other community members would be able to read your personal information, right? In the real world, an unknown individual cannot just decide that they want to move into your neighborhood and live in your front yard, checking on your every move, so why should it happen online? If that is your way of thinking, you are wrong, in most cases. Unfortunately, many internet users are extremely unaware of the fact that just about anyone can view their social networking profiles, including “non-community” members.

Who is Lurking Around on Your Page?

As previously mentioned, there are a large number of social networking websites that allow anyone one with internet access to view the profiles or profile pages of their members. With a simple click of the mouse, information that you thought was private is no longer. That is why it is important that you examine what is actually posted in your profile or on your personal profile page before publishing it.

Although being cautious may take away from the fun of joining a social networking program, you are advised to be cautious. This cautiousness may help keep you safe. When building your social networking profile or profile page, especially on a website that anyone can view. For instance, if you have a business at home, you may think twice before putting your physical address on your contact information as well as a real phone number.

You can always rent out a postal address and even have a get a free voice mail number if you want to add those. Of course, it looks better on your profile to have both anyway. And you can get a free number from a place like Laser Voice Mail. Sure, the area code may not match where you live. However, very few people are going to think too much about it. Having a phone number and address in your contact information does give it a more real appearance. However if you want to be safe, it is not advisable to use your real one. There are always going to be lurkers out there who you will want to know nothing about!