Social media can be a very attractive pastime for senior citizens. After all, it’s a great way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, preventing loneliness and depression, especially for those who aren’t able to get out of the house like they used to. Our older loved ones can stay connected to the news, social events and trends, and feel relevant in a world from which they might otherwise feel disconnected.
While Mom and Dad’s motives are pure, it’s no secret that social media can be a dangerous landscape for any of us. Unfortunately, unsavory online scammers can and do use social media to gain the confidence of seniors to steal their personal identity and, potentially, their life savings.
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of U.S. citizens over the age of 65 who participate on social media has quadrupled in the past 15 years. More than half of all American seniors have at least one social media account, and the number is rising every day. Hopefully, with the help of a few safety tips, older adults can be protected from the dangers of social media and use it as a fun and handy way to keep in touch with the people they love.
Social Media Dangers
Scams and Fraud
Seniors are often targeted by scammers who use social media to trick them into giving away personal information or money. Never give anyone your passwords, social security number, bank account number or identifying information that can be used for identity verification including your mother’s maiden name, the street you grew up on or your favorite pet’s name. A scammer may ask you to give them a security code that was sent to your phone or email. Never give out this information.
A good rule of thumb — if anyone ever contacts you about personal information or account issues (these may appear to come from your bank or the IRS, for example), stop talking to them and call the institution directly. They will be able to verify if the contact was legitimate and make sure your accounts have not been compromised.
Privacy Concerns
Oversharing
Sharing too much personal information can lead to identity theft or other privacy breaches.
Misinformation
People on social media can spread false or misleading information, which can be harmful if believed.
Cyberbullying
Seniors can be victims of online harassment or bullying. Just like in the real world, socializing with the wrong people can be detrimental to your health. If someone on social media starts to harass you, report them to moderators and then block them so they can’t contact you or see your posts anymore.
Addiction
Spending too much time on social media can lead to addiction and negatively impact mental health. While social media can be a great tool for keeping us connected, don’t allow it to become a replacement for interacting in person. If you find yourself spending most of your time on social media and having fewer in-person interactions, it might be a good idea to use these tools to limit your time on social media.
Social Media Safety Tips
1. Be Cautious with Friend Requests
Only accept friend requests from people you know and trust. If you already are connected with a friend on social media and you get a new request from an account with their name, it’s most likely a fake account. Usually, fake social media accounts only have a few photos, few if any posts made from the account and few friend connections. If the account doesn’t have an established history, it’s a red flag. When in doubt, contact your friend and ask them if they sent the request. It’s possible their account was compromised.
2. Think Before You Share
Avoid sharing personal information such as your address, phone number or financial details. This includes details that may appear in your photos as well. Do your photographs include sensitive information including your license plate number, address or account information?
3. Verify Information
Check the credibility of information before sharing or believing it. Do your own research to avoid unnecessary confusion or stress.
4. Report and Block
If you encounter any suspicious or harmful behavior, report it to the platform and block the user.
Tips for Creating Strong Passwords
1. Use a Mix of Characters
Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
2. Avoid Common Words
Do not use easily guessable words like “password” or “123456”.
3. Make it Long
Aim for at least 12 characters.
4. Use a Password Manager
Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
Tips for Managing Security Settings
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts. This allows you to approve all log in attempts through a unique code sent to your email or phone.
2. Review Privacy Settings
Regularly check and update your privacy settings to control who can see your information.
3. Keep Software Updated
Ensure that your social media apps and devices are always updated to the latest versions.
4. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi
Avoid accessing social media accounts on public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.
Staying Safe Online
By being aware of these dangers and following these social media safety tips, seniors can enjoy social media securely. As is the case in the real world, social media can be unpredictable, and it is better to understand the risks to stay safe and enjoy your experience.
For more helpful tech tips, visit Bethesda’s Technology blog!
