Social media is an amazing tool—it lets us connect, share, and build communities with like-minded people. But here’s the thing: your profile isn’t just seen by friends. It’s accessible to strangers, companies, and even potential scammers.
I love using social media, but over time, I’ve learned the hard way that some details should never go public. Here’s what I keep off my profile to stay safe, secure, and in control.
1. Your Exact Location—Keep It Vague
Some sites force you to enter a city/state when setting up a profile. If that’s the case, I never list my exact town. Instead, I pick a nearby major city or just stick to my state.
💡 Why? Sharing my specific location makes it easier for strangers to find me—and that’s a risk I don’t need.
2. Oversharing Personal Info
Posting your full name, birthday, or workplace? Think twice. Even small details can be pieced together to track someone offline.
✔ Use a nickname or initials instead of a full name.
✔ Never list your employer unless it’s part of your brand or business.
✔ Avoid specific personal details like schools attended, relatives’ names, or past addresses.
3. Too Much About Your Kids
If I post about family, I never include exact details about my kids—no full names, no schools, no daily routines. Predators monitor social media—why make it easy for them?
💡 Tip: If I share a cute family moment, I always blur out identifying details or keep it general.
4. Travel Plans (Wait Until You’re Back)
Posting “Heading to Europe for two weeks!” seems harmless—but it’s a direct invite to burglars if your profile is public.
✔ I only post vacation pics AFTER I get home.
✔ If I want to share trip plans, I keep it to private chats.
“ The internet never forgets—share wisely, protect fiercely. “
Miko
5. Revealing Financial Status
It might be tempting to brag about a new car or big purchase—but honestly, I keep my financial life private.
✔ No details about my income.
✔ No posts flaunting major expenses.
✔ **If I share milestones, I focus on the **experience, not the price tag.
6. Risky Profile Pictures
I love a good profile pic—but I keep it tasteful and professional.
✔ No overly revealing or suggestive photos—because not everyone views them innocently.
✔ If I post group pics, I check that others are okay being featured.
✔ I use a non-personal avatar for certain sites.
7. Watch Out for “Fun” Posts That Reveal Too Much
Ever seen those viral “What’s your middle name?” quizzes? They seem harmless—until you realize you’re giving away security question answers for hackers.
✔ I avoid participating in viral data-collection trends.
✔ If a post asks for info like “first pet’s name” or “childhood street name,” I skip it.
Final Thoughts: Share Smart, Stay Safe
I love engaging on social media, but I never forget that anyone can see what I post. Every bit of information I put out can be used—whether for good or for bad.
✔ I keep my profile locked down with privacy settings.
✔ I share intentionally, knowing who my audience is.
✔ And most importantly—I never post anything I wouldn’t be comfortable explaining later.
Social media should be fun, but also safe. Keeping some details off the grid ensures I enjoy it without unnecessary risks.
