Social Networking
Social networking sites like Facbook and MySpace are widely used by Cal Poly students and can help you connect in many positive ways. However, participating in online communities can also put you at risk by sharing your identity and personal information.
Please use discretion when posting personal information and be aware of the following:
- You are posting content onto the World Wide Web and you cannot ensure who does and does not have access to your information.
- Information you post online may continue to stay on the World Wide Web even after you erase or delete that information from your profiles or blog.
- Future employers, graduate schools, and campus organizations may use information gathered from online communities as they are making decisions.
- By agreeing to the terms of use, online communities have your permission to republish your content worldwide and share information with advertisers, third parties, and law enforcement, among others.
Your profile will be a part of how others know you -- please keep that in mind as you use Facebook, MySpace and other online communities.
Quick Tips
- Avoid posting phone numbers and residential address information.
- Avoid posting information about your whereabouts.
- Be selective with the content of personal information that is posted.
- Be aware that information posted may be available to anyone with internet access.
More Information
Empower yourself and learn more about socializing safely online by visting these sites:
- Too Much Information - Article on what to consider when using social networking sites
- Safe Social Networking - Protecting your privacy on sites like MySpace and Facebook
- Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites (US-CERT, United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team)
- Online Essentials: Consumer Guide to Internet Safety, Privacy and Security
- OnGuardOnline.gov
- StaySafeOnline.org