Lots of Telitec’s customers are expats who live abroad from many of their friends and family. Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram are often really important for keeping up to date with what loved ones are up to. However there are some things that you should never, ever post on social media. Some are obvious, but others seem like innocent fun until you think about them a little more!
1 – Announcing holiday plans
You should be careful about sharing holiday plans because you are effectively announcing that you’ll be away from home. This leaves your home vulnerable, and there have even been cases of insurance companies refusing to pay out after break-ins because of social media posts. Don’t post countdowns, and remember it’s better to post your travel pictures once you’re back at home.
2 – ‘Checking in’ when you travel
As above, this signals when you’re not home. Also think twice before you ‘check in’ to the airport, train station, etc. Even if you don’t openly say you’re going on holiday, it could be inferred that you are or going to be away from home.
3 – School uniform pictures
It’s sad to think about, but school uniform pictures are a clear signal about which school your children attend, which can compromise their safety. If you do want to put a proud first-day picture up, you can try sticking an emoji over the school badge with a photo app, or taking the photo with their coat on.
4 – Party Pictures!
Either make sure your profile’s privacy is watertight, or think carefully before you post pics of you and your friends when you’ve let your hair down!
5 – Bank / Payment Info
It’s surprisingly common that people post pictures of their actual credit cards to show off (yes, really!) but you don’t have to be that silly to accidentally share personal payment info. For example if you’ve booked, bought or received something exciting you might want share a picture of the box, invoice or confirmation email, in which case you’ll need to take care to blur or cover your personal details.
6 – Rants about neighbours, bosses, colleagues etc.
It’s true when they say ‘it’s a small world’ – even if you don’t the subject of your rant added to your Facebook, you can’t be sure who is connected to who. Many people have ranted online and lived to regret it.
7 – Sharing ‘Name and Shame’ Posts
Many people have been hurt by viral posts including their name or picture that have unproven claims about their work or life. For both legal and moral reasons, if you don’t have proof, don’t click ‘share’.
8 – Open Invite Events
There have been loads of people (mostly teens!) who have put open-invite events on Facebook and lived to regret it when their parties become riots! Keep control of your guest lists to make sure nobody you don’t expect turns up to private events.
9 – Other Peoples’ Good or Bad news
Friendships and family relations can be strained by over-excited loved ones posting news on Facebook before they were ready to share it themselves. Best wait til they post it themselves, or just ask permission.
10 – Anything Else You Might Regret Posting Publicly!
Embarrassing photos of you or your kids, rants about people you know, controversial opinions – once you’ve posted it, it’s hard to undo. Social media is great but you should always be mindful that once it’s out, it’s out!
