The pervasiveness of mainstream digital media platforms and apps have become an inevitable part of our daily lives. Whether you use Facebook to stay connected with your children and younger family members or you use emails and twitter to communicate with people and keep a track of the news respectively, there’s no hiding away from them. Whatever may be the cons of digital media, the pros far outweigh as most of these platforms have made our lives easier by bringing the world on our fingertips.
However, as we scroll and swipe away, we must be mindful of certain basics that will help the journey of seniors on these platforms safe, secure and non-intrusive. Given below are five essential points to bear in mind as you traverse through the contours of these platforms:
Privacy Settings
Ensure that your personal information, especially on social networks is set to be visible only to your friends and followers. Similarly, your posts should not be visible to public unless you are a public figure. The latest version of iOS also has an option of giving consent to share your data with social networks. Even if you are sharing data with social networks from your phone, be aware of what data you are sharing through your phone settings.
Password and Login Management
Some folks login and logout every time they use an app or a platform. You don’t need to do that as it will dilute your experience. There are chances you might forget the password. Also, while logging in to other websites and apps through Google or Facebook, don’t worry, go ahead, it is safe. Google and Facebook aren’t going to misuse your data. Please ensure that you don’t allow the browser to save the password. Besides all of the above, for creating and remembering passwords, use only two or three special characters and alternate between them. For easily remembering your passwords, please save them in a diary. Ideally you should just use one or two variations of passwords on all platforms.
Using Search Function Effectively
Most social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have search bars where you can search content, people, jobs, news, photos, videos, etc… The idea is to use the function effectively to search people & information relevant to your interests.
Be aware of Social Engineering
Social engineering is essentially the instance when users are manipulated by divulging private information. This is akin to hacking but not by cracking into your phone or computer. Instead, they take advantage of your natural tendencies and emotional reactions. Key to avoid this is by not revealing personality traits and emotions in a public space, especially not to a site or an app.
In app purchases while gaming
While most wonder that mobile gaming is a phenomenon amongst youngsters, trends have shown that increasingly seniors are playing games on their mobile, either through social apps or by downloading gaming apps. While it’s fun and it can be addictive over a period of time, seniors must be aware of the purchases of coins and credits made through these gaming apps and not end up burning money.
We hope these points make your digital media journey safer and secure. For any specific queries, please email us at info@unmukt.in