Why You Should be Mindful of your Personal Privacy and Security Online
Hey blog readers, for the last blog post of Digital Media Literacy I, I'll be writing to you directly. While this might seem like an oversaturated topic or something that only paranoid people are afraid of, you should be aware of your personal privacy and security online.
On its most extreme end, a violation of your personal privacy and security online could lead to identity theft, financial loss, and exploitation. While this is important and something that you should absolutely be aware of and do your best to avoid, there's also implications that a lot of people miss--in case you'd like to learn more about how to avoid identity theft or other extreme violations, this is a great resource.
Implications surrounding a lack of concern for personal privacy and security online include targeted advertising and political campaigning. Letting sites keep track of your cookies means they can figure out what you like to buy (whether or not you need it) or how to manipulate you into leaning one way or another politically. It's one thing when you look to confirm your own bias (hopefully you're aware you're doing it), but another when it's constantly being pushed to you, and you're unaware of it. Don't let yourself live in a bubble.
Another implication surrounding a lack of concern for personal privacy and security online can include accidentally sharing information you didn't mean to. People don't realize how easy it is to stalk someone on social media. This TikTok creator does a great job at demonstrating how the smallest detail in a video or image post can share lots of information about a person.
If you want to increase your privacy and security there are a number of things you can do. If you're looking at how to increase your privacy and security while browsing or online shopping, this resource recommends blocking cross-site cookies and using ad-blockers. On social media, be aware of strangers you're talking to and what personal information you're sharing. Posted a photo of you in front of your house with the house numbers visible? You might want to rethink that...
All of this isn't to say that the internet is bad or that you shouldn't be on it. It's to say that the internet and everyone on it doesn't have your best interests and safety in mind; only you can guarantee it a priority to you. Make sure you do.