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+

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How to easily see who is tracking you

As we surf the Web, our browsing habits and personal data are tracked by third parties, often without our knowledge or our permission. As consumers, we want it all.  We want products and services that meet our needs and solve our problems,…
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The email I wish I had never sent

Condominium hotline discussions can result in loads of emails and I had to laugh when I got batches about dog poop in common areas of our condominium complex. But what was funny at first soon became annoying as email after email cluttered up…
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What do people see when they view your Facebook profile?

A reader's question on my last article, Who Sees Your Personal Facebook Posts, made me realize I'd left out a simple tip.  Her question was, "When someone is looking for my personal page they can see all of my cover page pictures. How…
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Who Sees Your Personal Facebook Posts?

I recently learned that Facebook makes changes to its code every Tuesday and even though many changes may not be obvious, let me tell you why that matters. A few weeks ago, I smiled at a handsome man in the car next to me while waiting at…
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Self-destructing photos and videos: Fact or Fiction?

I asked my son why he was so cranky a few days ago and he explained he had just fallen asleep after studying for final exams when he was woken up by an annoying long distance text.   A good friend had downloaded Snapchat, an app that sends…
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Social Media Privacy and Security Tips – Part II

Social Media enriches our lives and connects us instantly and inexpensively with the world, but it simultaneously makes it challenging to maintain privacy. Virtues of Social Media include the ability to express ourselves and to share information…
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6 Social Media Privacy and Safety Tips

I am a huge fan of Social Media but I dislike it when privacy or safety are compromised by private photos and information being shared accidentally or maliciously. My own tales include identity theft, credit card fraud and being reprimanded…
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Online dating: Safety Tips for Meeting Potential Partners In Person

Online dating has some advantages over conventional dating. It provides convenient and wide access to potential partners, especially for those who lack such access.  Mathematical algorithms can provide daters with a basic sense of compatibility…
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Internet Dating – 5 Ways to Stay Safe Online

When it comes to online dating, it's obvious, but I'm going to say it anyway. People lie! Some do it to protect themselves or to appear more desirable and others seek dishonest financial gain. Predators and stalkers can pose as people…
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Security and Privacy Tips for Twitter Users

The main purpose of Twitter is to help users share information with the world.  That means this information is intended to be public and it can even be shared with people who do not use Twitter.  The type of information that is shared includes…
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12 Easy Steps to Check Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Are you certain your privacy settings are doing what you think they should be doing for you?  Have you checked all your Facebook privacy settings lately? Many Facebook users are unaware that what they are reading, watching or listening to…
Online Dating Safety Tips
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Internet Dating & Relationships: On-line and Off-line Safety Tips

A gorgeous friend signed up on a specialty internet dating site by creating three diverse faux-profiles that ranged from innocent-and-demure to exciting-and-sexually suggestive.  She was careful to avoid authentic information and real photos…