The political landscape has been destabilized since January 20, and that has impacted the world. Social media has become even more of a contentious battleground where discussion and debate often turn into conflict. We’re in a constant state of instability as new policies and laws flow downward. Public sentiment keeps changing and online spaces are often hostile. Whether you are a part of a marginalized community, an activist, or just someone who wants to be safe on social media, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some strategies that can help with that.
Know Which Platforms Are Safe – Then Act Accordingly
Who owns the social media platforms you use? Do their values align with yours? Are they committed to providing a space in which you can express yourself? Will policies about acceptable language, threats, harassment, or doxxing be applied fairly and evenly? If your presence on a platform contributes to its profitability, do you agree with how and where that profit is spent?
Many major social media platforms have recently made major changes in how members are treated, and how information that has the potential for deep impact is treated. This has led many to reconsider how or even if they will continue to participate.
Go Over Your Privacy And Advertising Settings
Your privacy and advertising settings impact what other users can find out about you. They also affect which data third parties can access, and the extent to which social media platforms can profit from your activities. You should regularly review and update these settings for your safety and privacy.
Here are some steps to take:
- Consider limiting the audience for your posts
- Remove the ability to tag you in posts
- Don’t use location tagging or tracking
- Limit who can contact you or add you as a friend
- Review privacy settings to ensure information like your email address or location isn’t available
- Go into settings and disable anything that allows third-party tracking or personalized advertising
- Consider creating a secondary account for work and acquaintances that you limit to content that is uncontroversial
- Install an ad blocker
Be Careful About Clicking Ads
Even if you use the most stringent privacy settings, you’ll still encounter ads on social media. When you do, think before you click. As much as a product intrigues you, is it worth creating a data connection between your social media activity, and your purchasing behaviors? Are you okay with the platform you are using getting a cut of your money? Instead, consider searching for the company or product, and purchase it directly from the brand’s website.
Share Thoughtfully
You may decide to dial back your social media posting. Conversely, you may decide to use these platforms to share your opinions and bring awareness to issues that are important to you. Both are valid. Just make your choices thoughtful.
Be careful about sharing personal information, including your daily routine. Be aware that engaging in heated debate could lead to threats or harassment. Use reporting features, but be aware that you may not receive help. Before you post something controversial, be aware that others may abuse reporting features, or use screenshots even if you delete them later.
Use Secure Messaging And Browsers
Avoid using mainstream messaging apps like Messenger or WhatsApp for discussing anything sensitive or organizing. Instead, consider using Telegram or Signal. Also, consider how browsers use and share your data, including your internet activities. You may be safer using an option like DuckDuckGo.
Protect Yourself From Doxxing or Harassment
Doxxing is leaking a person’s identifying information online. It’s become a common method for harassing people – often for expressing their views or being part of a targeted group. Consider protecting yourself by using an alt account for organizing or discussing political topics. Also, search yourself online so you know what information is publicly available. Finally, screenshot abusive messages and report harassment right away.
Develop Better Media Literacy And Critical Thinking
Anyone can fall for misinformation or propaganda. That’s not limited to any one demographic group or to people with a single POV. Stay informed and know how to respond to falsehoods by double checking for accuracy before you share news. Verify that accounts sharing information are trustworthy. Use fact checking sites. Be aware of headlines that are written to evoke outrage.
Limit How You Engage With Trolls
Bot accounts and trolls have invaded social media platforms with the goal of creating division. They thrive on provocation and manipulation. The goal is to wear people down through a sheer volume of antagonism and inflammatory rhetoric. Use block and mute features liberally. Report abusive accounts and posts.
Finally, disengage from conversations with people who are not interested in understanding or engaging in good faith. Sea lioning is a common tactic that involves pretending to be confused or to misunderstand another person’s argument – solely for the purpose of getting them to provide more detailed explanations and resources. This is done in bad faith with no intention of responding to any points being made.
Protect Your Mental Health
This is an emotionally charged time, and engaging on social media can be detrimental to your mental health. It’s okay to back away. Leave platforms that don’t serve you. Limit the time you spend on social media. Engage in hobbies and interests that energize you and make you happy. Don’t isolate yourself. Spend time with friends, pursue romance through the Hily app or other outlets.
Make Social Media Work For You Not Against You
Social media remains a positive tool. It’s wonderful for connecting with people you care about, organizing, engaging with your community, and learning. It’s also a space that’s becoming more contentious over time. Protect your privacy, safety, and peace of mind as you work to find the ideal balance for you.
