7 common mistakes users can make when using Facebook

According to statistics, the average user spends hours a day surfing Facebook. This number shows the huge influence of this social network in our lives. However, along with the conveniences, using Facebook also has many potential risks. This article will help users recognize and avoid making 7 common mistakes when using this social network.

1. Sharing too much about personal life

Sharing your life's best moments on social media is great. However, revealing too much personal information, such as your location, daily schedule, or family details, can make you a target for bad actors. Be careful what you share to protect yourself and those around you.

The personal information users share can become the “golden key” that opens the door to their private lives. Hackers and stalkers are always on the lookout to exploit these loopholes. For example, a photo of yourself checking in at a beautiful beach can reveal to thieves that your house is vacant. Worse still, constantly updating your current location can make you an easy target for bad guys.

It's best for users to limit sharing details about their daily lives. Consider moderating your posts and keeping sensitive information private rather than sharing it publicly.

2. Posting too much detail in your personal introduction

Not only posts, but also your bio contains a lot of important information. Be careful when sharing personal information such as phone numbers and email addresses, as they can be used by bad people to carry out unwanted actions. Instead, focus on sharing your interests and passions to connect with like-minded people.

It is important to remember that a user's Facebook profile can be seen by strangers, especially if the privacy settings are not properly configured. This level of publicity can leave users vulnerable to harassment or unwanted contact from individuals with malicious intent. Personal information is also used in email phishing scams.

Instead of sharing sensitive information in their bio, consider providing a brief overview of their interests, hobbies, or professional background. This allows users to reveal their personality without compromising their privacy.

3. Spreading false information or unverified news

Today, social media platforms like Facebook serve as a primary source of news and information for many people. However, the ease with which content is shared also contributes to the widespread spread of misinformation and unverified news.

When users share articles or posts without verifying their accuracy or understanding their source, they may inadvertently contribute to the spread of misinformation. This can be particularly harmful, as misinformation has the potential to cause panic, shape public opinion, and even break the law.

In the age of information explosion, verifying information is an important life skill. Each of us is responsible for the information we share. Before hitting the "share" button, take a few seconds to verify the information. By doing so, users not only protect themselves but also contribute to building a more transparent information community.

4. Engage in toxic discussions or troll others

Facebook is a platform designed for connection, but it often becomes a battleground for toxic discussions and trolling. What may seem funny or harmless to one person may be offensive or hurtful to another. It is important to understand that engaging in heated debates or making sarcastic comments can escalate tensions and contribute to a hostile environment.

Toxic discussions can not only damage relationships, but can also tarnish a user’s online reputation. Once words are typed and posted, they can spread quickly, leaving a permanent mark on a user’s digital footprint. Consider whether your words are contributing to a healthy dialogue or simply increasing tensions. After all, social media should be a space for connection and understanding, not conflict and division.

5. Allow others to find your information through search engines

By default, a user’s Facebook profile is searchable through search engines. This means that anyone can find a user’s account simply by typing their name into Google or Bing. While this may seem harmless, it can be a violation of a user’s privacy and security. Unwanted strangers or acquaintances can easily locate a user’s profile and collect personal information for malicious purposes.

Even if users think they've hidden well online, search engines can still dig up information and pester them with friend requests, harassing messages, and even more serious intrusive behavior.

To avoid this, it's best for users to set their Facebook profile to not allow search engines to find them. To do this, open Facebook and go to "Settings & Privacy" → "Audience & Visibility" → "How to Find and Contact You." Then, turn off the toggle next to "Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?"

6. Do not adjust important security settings

One of the biggest mistakes Facebook users make is not adjusting their privacy settings. Leaving the default settings in place often allows for broader access to a user's profile and posts.

For example, by default, Facebook allows anyone, regardless of whether they are friends, to see a user's friend list, profile, and pages they follow. This can lead to inadvertent disclosure of personal information to strangers, increasing the risk of privacy violations.

Furthermore, users may not realize that their posts may be public, depending on their settings. Even seemingly innocuous information can be misused by bad actors. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to enhance the privacy of your Facebook profile by manually adjusting your privacy settings or using the Privacy Checkup tool.

7. Ignoring essential account security measures

Keeping a user's Facebook account secure may seem trivial, but it is crucial to protecting a user's personal information and online identity. A common mistake is not enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). Without it, a user's account is more vulnerable to unauthorized access, especially if the password is shared or reused across multiple social media platforms.

Over time, users may have inadvertently granted third-party apps and websites access to their Facebook accounts. These apps often request permissions that exceed what is necessary for their function, making it necessary to regularly review and manage these permissions. By taking a moment to review which apps have access to their account and restricting permissions where possible, users can significantly improve the security of their data.

In the fast-paced world of social media, it’s easy for users to make mistakes, from sharing too much personal information to ignoring privacy settings. However, by being aware of these common mistakes, users can take proactive steps to increase their Facebook presence and use the platform more effectively.