Social Media Blog - News & Tutorials

Forms of electronic communication (as Web sites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (as videos). Examples include Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+

Apps, Cell Phones, Cyber Privacy, Email, Internet Privacy, Passwords, Phishing, Private browsing, Social Media, Tracking

Taking Control of Privacy

There is no doubt there are aspects of privacy that are out of our control, but as discussed in the last post called Privacy we Cannot Control, there are solid options for reducing the impact of privacy invasion. Today's post reminds…

Cyber Scams, Facebook, Identity Theft, Internet Privacy, Internet Safety, Social Media

Seniors and Facebook Identity Theft: How to Avoid Being a Target

Seniors have long been targets of scams of one kind or another. And with the rapidly growing number of senior citizens embracing social media, especially Facebook, the opportunity for identity theft has also grown. Why are Seniors More…

Cell Phones, Cyber Relationships, Protecting Children, Social Media

Talking to Your Texting Teen

"She texts all night long!" "She won't put that stupid phone down for one second!" "She cares more about that phone than her own family!" "I can't talk to her anymore -- I can only TEXT HER!" Have you or someone you know uttered these…

Cyber Relationships, Internet Safety, Protecting Children, Social Media

Is Your Child’s Self-Esteem a Social Media Problem?

Social media has an enormous impact on all children, socially as well as emotionally. However, for children who struggle with self-esteem issues social media can be troublesome – and even dangerous. Kids, of any age, that do not believe…

Legal/Ethics, Reputation, Reviews, Social Media

How to Deal with Negative Reviews

Business review sites such as Yelp can be a source of major frustration for business owners. Issues include exaggerated negative reviews from disgruntled employees, negative reviews by competitors, paid or unpaid fake reviews from people that…

Images & Copyright, Legal/Ethics, Social Media

24 Sites for Royalty-Free Images (Free and Paid)

In my last article, How to Legally Use Images and Graphics Created by Others, I discussed the dangers of using the work of others without permission or attribution. In this article you will find an extensive list of resources for Creative Commons,…

Internet Privacy, Internet Safety, Protecting Children, Social Media

Using Parent Power to Protect Kids Online

When it comes to Internet safety and privacy, conversations between parents and children can help kids make wise decisions. Discussion ideas were provided in 7 Conversation Topics to Keep Kids Safe Online but discussions are not the only options…

Apps, Cyber Bullying, Cyber Scams, Internet Privacy, Internet Safety, Phishing, Predators, Protecting Children, Reputation, Snapchat, Social Media

7 Conversation Topics To Keep Kids Safe Online

I panicked as I read an article about new social media apps because I was familiar with only one of them! How can I protect my children if I can't keep track of the apps they use online? Once I calmed down, the answer was clear: I do not need…

Apps, Cell Phones, Cyber Bullying, Internet Privacy, Internet Safety, Predators, Protecting Children, Reputation, Sexting, Snapchat, Social Media, Twitter

What Social Media Apps and Sites are Popular with Kids these days?

Social media has many positive attributes but there’s no denying potential dangers such as reputation damage and exposure to predators, identity thieves and cyber bullies. New social media sites crop up regularly and it’s challenging keeping…

Facebook, Internet Privacy, Internet Safety, Protecting Children, Snapchat, Social Media

How to Protect your Child on Social Networks

Protecting our children’s privacy on social networks is an ongoing challenge that begins at a young age and continues after they leave home for college or work. Let’s face it, many kids know more about social networks and technology than…

Cyber Relationships, Cyber Scams, Internet Safety, Predators, Social Media

Was I a Victim of an Online Predator?

One would think that someone who writes and talks about Cyber Privacy and Cyber Safety would be immune to online predators, right? Nope. Wrong! Online predators extend beyond the stereotypical dangerous ones who want to steal private information…

Apps, Facebook, Internet Privacy, Social Media, Twitter

Do you know when apps are posting or tweeting as if they’re you?

A friend asked me if I could explain how a Facebook post in his name appeared in his wife’s news feed when he had no recollection of typing it. My guess was that he likely gave an app permission to post on his behalf and either forgot about…