Who Is Reading Your Personal Information? On Social Networking Websites

Who Is Reading Your Personal Information? On Social Networking Websites

It is estimated that each day, a fairly large number of individuals make the decision to join a social networking website.  Social networking websites are websites that allow internet users to easily connect with other internet users, often from all around the world. While social networking websites are a great way to make online friends or start an online relationship, there are many internet users who are misinformed when it comes to social networking websites. That misinformation is largely centered on who can see their personal information.

Since a social networking website is often compared to a community, you would assume that only other community members would be able to read your personal information, right?  In the real world, an unknown individual cannot just decide that they want to move into your neighborhood and live in your front yard, spying on your every move, so why should it happen online?  If that is your way of thinking, you are wrong, in most cases.  Unfortunately, many internet users are largely unaware of the fact that just about anyone can view their social networking profiles, including non-community members.  

As previously mentioned, there are a large number of social networking websites that allow anyone one with internet access to view the profiles or profile pages of their members. In fact, the number is higher than you may have ever imagined. At the current time, just a few popular of the social networking websites that allow any internet user to view your profile include Yahoo! 360, FriendFinder, FriendWise, and MySpace.  With a simple click of the mouse, information that you thought was private is no longer.  That is why it is important that you examine what is actually posted in your profile or on your personal profile page before publishing it.

Although being cautious may take away from the fun of joining a social networking program, you are advised to be cautious.  This cautiousness may help keep you safe. When building your social networking profile or profile page, especially on a website that anyone can view, you are advised to carefully select the pictures that you post. If you post a personal picture of your self, you are advised against posting your full name and, especially, your address. With a picture, your full name, and your address, an internet user with devious thoughts could spell trouble.

If you are one of the many social network users who wants to display your information, you are encouraged to learn more about private profile settings.  Private profile settings will limit the number of individuals who can view your website. Although your profile’s private setting may prevent other network members from seeing your profile, it will also prevent anyone else from seeing it. The only catch with doing this is that since other community members cannot see your profile, you will have to be the one to contact with any new friends that you would like to invite to your network.  

In addition to joining a social networking website that allows you to set your profile as private, you can join a network that automatically has profiles set as private. These social networking websites include, but are not limited to, Orkut and Facebook.  With Orkut and Facebook, your profile will only be seen by other members. In fact, Facebook also limits the members that can see your profile. This is done to help ensure your safety online. However, as with all other social networking websites, it is fairly easy for you to make online connections and friends, but, in away, these private profile networking sites are a safer way to make those connections.

Now that you know exactly how social networking websites work and who can gain access to your personal information, you should know what you should and should not put in your profile or on your profile page.  Although you are not required to change your information, you should at least think about it. As the old saying goes, you never know who is watching you.

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MySpace: A Popular Social Networking Website

MySpace: A Popular Social Networking Website

Do you surf the internet, listen to the radio, or watch television?  If you do, there is a good chance that you have heard of MySpace before.  MySpace is on online social networking website that has literally taken the world by storm.  This is because, in what seemed like no time at all, MySpace has grown to become one of the most popular online websites, in the entire world.

The first step in joining this popular online social network is to register for an account. This can be done in a matter of minutes.  Although you can view a number of different MySpace pages without registering, it is advised that you do. Registration will allow you to not only create your own MySpace page, but enjoy many of the other features that can be found on the site.  What you may like most about MySpace is that it is completely free to use.  

Once you join MySpace, you can create your own profile page. Although this is optional, it is the best way to communicate with others and make new friends. To make the experience easier, MySpace has a fairly large collection of profile templates. These templates not only have an impact on the background of your profile page, but the text fonts as well. In addition to using the pre-designed templates, you can also create your own, especially if you have basic knowledge of HTML.

Many MySpace users have sections that allow them to describe themselves and their likes and dislikes.  In addition to these preset sections, you can also add your own.  A large number of users have posted clips from their favorite movies, television shows, or music videos. You can also add you own pictures and your own videos, if you choose to do so. Although MySpace does have some rules, which can be found in their terms of use agreement, you basically have unlimited freedom, when it comes to creating your own MySpace page.

After you have created your own MySpace page, you can easily search for others. You can search for others with a wide variety of different keyword phrases.  If you are looking for someone who lives near you, you can search for your town.  If you are looking for someone who shares your love of animals, you can search for pet lovers.  Once you have found the MySpace page of someone who you would like to become friends with, you can invite them to join your network. In addition to inviting others to join your network, there is a good chance that you will be invited to join others.

Although MySpace has been in the media because of its popularity, attention has been given to the popular social networking website, attention it probably didn’t wish that it had received.  With MySpace, as well a large number of other networking sites, internet safety has become a big issue, especially with children.  If you are the parent of a child, you may wish to monitor their MySpace activity or ensure that their profile is set to a private listing.  MySpace has a number of safety features is place, but to make use of these features you must know that they exist. 

In addition to being a traditional social networking website, one that lets you meet and speak to other members, MySpace is well known for its additional features. These features commonly include music videos, horoscopes, chat rooms, careers, and instant messaging. If you are interested in using these features, as well as the many others that can be found on MySpace, you are encouraged to register for your free membership today. You can do this by visiting www.myspace.com.

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About Popular Social Networking Websites

About Popular Social Networking Websites

Do you love using the internet to meet and talk to new people?  If so, there is a good chance that you have heard of social networking websites before. If you have not, you will want to familiarize yourself with them because they are rapidly becoming the most popular way to communicate with others online.  

If you weren’t already aware, social networking websites are website that essentially act as an internet communities. While all social networking websites have their own rules and restrictions, many websites operate in a similar way, with similar goals. Their goals are to allow internet users to connect with other internet users online, often from all around the world.  What is nice about social networking websites is that they come in a wide variety of different forms.  There are many websites that are considered “general,” websites. These websites do not really have any particular focus, but there are social networking websites that do have a particular focus.  Those focuses often include dating, religion, and school.  

If online social networking seems interesting to you, you will have to find a community to join. You can easily do this a number of different ways.  By speaking to those that you know, on and offline, you could be alerted to popular social networking websites.  You can also find these websites on your own by performing a standard internet search. Whether you perform your own search or rely on recommendations from others, it is likely that you will find a fairly large number of social networking websites.  Just a few of those websites that may find include Classmates, Orkut, Yahoo! 360, and MySpace.

Orkut is Google’s version of a social networking website. This website was created and officially launched in 2004.  Orkut has a large number of member, form all around the world.  What is nice about Orkut is that the system is easy to use, that is once you get in. To protect their social networking communities, a large number of social networking websites, including Orkut, have restricted access to the site.  If you are interested in joining Orkut you must know someone who is already a member and they must invite you to join the community.  If you do not personally know any Orkut member, there is a good chance that you could connect with and obtain an invitation from someone you meet online.

Classmates is an online social networking website that is rapidly increasing in popularity.  This website focuses on connecting long lost friends or old classmates.  Classmates is free to use, but you must become a paying member to enjoy many of their member benefits.  These benefits include, but are not limited to, searching for old classmates, reading their profiles, requesting more information from your classmates, or even contacting them.  

MySpace is another popular social networking website that can be found online. In fact, MySpace is known as being the most popular online social networking website. They currently have over one hundred million members!  MySpace, like many other social networking websites allows you to create your own profile, in fact, your own personal page.  Once your page has been created, you can easily invite other members to become a member of your network and visa versa.  In addition to having a traditional profile page, with your personal information, you can also display a large number of pictures, video clips, and music clips. Although there are a number of features that makes MySpace so popular, the most popular reason for its popularity is that fact that it is completely free to use. 

As previously mentioned, MySpace, Classmates, and Orkut are just a few of the many social networking websites that you can find online. Additional sites include FriendFinder, Yahoo! 360, and more. To learn more about each of these sites or to join their community, you are advised to visit their online websites and request additional information. You should be able to find these websites by performing a standard internet search.

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Warn Your Teens about the Dangers of Using Social Networking Websites

 Warn Your Teens about the Dangers of Using Social Networking Websites

Are you the parent of a teenager?  If so, there is a good chance that you are wondering about their safety online, as you should be.  Although the internet has changed for the better, that change has made it easier for people to access the internet and pretend to be someone that they are not, someone who you would likely not want socializing with your child.  For that reason, you are advised to take the proper action needed to protect your child when they are online, especially when they use online social networking websites.

Online social networking websites?  What are they?  If you are not an internet user yourself, you may be completely unaware of social networking websites, what they are, and how they operate.  The first step in protecting your teen is to famialrize yourself with them.  Social networking websites are known as online communities that aim to connect internet users with each other.  Unfortunately, these social networks have become the stomping grounds for many online predators and who are they after?  Teenagers and chances are your teen may be one of them. 

When it comes to protecting your child, your first thought may be to prohibit the use of online networking websites. Of course, you can do this if you want to.  You are the parent, you can do anything that you want; however, there is really no need to. Despite the fact that danger exists, social networking sites are relatively safe, even for teenagers.  However, to be safe and stay safe, your teenager needs to know what to avoid and who to be on the lookout for.  Essentially, this means that they best way to protect your child from online predators is to educate them on the danger that is out there.

One of the first things that you may want to discuss with your child is who they are talking with online. Although they may not want to give you an answer, you need to emphasize the importance of knowing who they are talking to. Since social networks work to connect individuals who do not physically know each other it may seem impossible, but it can be done. Your child should fully read and try to understand the content of their friend’s online profiles. This will enable them to watch out for inconsistent stories or any inaccurate information.  Tell your teen that if they learn that someone is being untruthful they need to end the conversation right away.  

In addition to who your teen is taking to, it is also important to learn what they are talking about. As with who they are talking to, your teenager may not want to give you a straight answer. Even if you are unable to get an answer out of them it is important to let them know what is appropriate and what is not. Be sure they know that it is best to completely avoid individuals who like to speak of sex, drugs, and other illegal activities.  Although they  may enjoy having a number of online friends, there are plenty of other individuals, especially teenagers, who would more than willing to have pleasant and harmless conversations with them.

Perhaps, the most important thing to discuss with your teenager about social networking sites is arranging physical meetings.  Let them know that these meeting are unacceptable.  There have been numerous reports, over the past few years, of teenagers being lured away from their home in hopes of meeting a new friend, who they thought was their age.  Unfortunately, many of these online friends turn out to be older and, in many cases, sexual predators.  In the event that your teenager wants to meet an online friend and you feel that they would with or without your permission, you may want to offer to go with them. Of course, it is advised that you use caution and all meet in a public place.  

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, your child should still be able to use social network sites, but use them safely. In addition to the above mentioned safety concerns and precautionary measures, you may have your own.  Whether you do or not, it is important that you keep your child aware of the dangers that lurk online, awareness is the key.

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Should Your Join a Social Networking Website?

Should Your Join a Social Networking Website?

Are you interested in meeting new people online?  If so, there is a good chance that you have heard of social networking websites before.  Social networking websites are, in a way, like a community. They allow internet users to connect with and communicate with each other.  Despite the fact that social networking website have rapidly increased in popularity and their popularity is only expected to keep on  rising, there are many internet users who are unsure as to whether or not social networking websites are for them.

If you are interested in determining whether or not you should join an online networking website, you are encouraged to think about why those websites are so popular.  Doing so will enable you to determine why other internet users make the decision to join an online social network.  After that close examination, you may even find that those are the same reasons why you should or want to join.  One of those reasons is the ability to easily meet other internet uses.

Before social networking websites, it was difficult to meet other internet users. If you tried, you would have to rely on chat rooms or instant messaging services. As nice as these popular internet features are, they are not always considered safe. With chat rooms or instant messaging programs you were often given little reassurance that a person was who they claimed to be. Without profiles, there was no way that you could learn more about a particular internet user, even if you wanted to. Social networking websites have changed that.

Not only have social networking websites made it safer to meet people online, it also allows you to meet people that have the same or similar interests as yourself.  Most social networking websites allow you to create your own profile; in fact, many even give you your own webpage.  These profiles or pages will allow you to share information on yourself, including your likes and dislikes.  Since all other network members should have the same pages and profiles, it should be fairly easy for you to meet up with other internet users, especially those who enjoy or believe in the same things that you do.

Another one of the many reasons why you should join a social networking website is because you literally have a wide variety of different choices. As social networking websites increased in popularity, so did the number of websites that could be found online. Although MySpace is often deemed the most popular online social networking website, there are others that are just as easy or as much fun to use. You should easily be able to find those websites by performing a standard internet search.

In your search, for social networking websites, you will come across a number of different networks. Many of those sites will have a particular focus.  Unlike MySpace, which accepts just about any internet user, there are online networks that aim to accept internet users that have a particular hobby, view, or belief.  Online, it is not uncommon to find social networking websites that focus on politics, religion, pets, sports, and more.  If you are unsure about joining an online networking community, specialty networking sites may be your best bet. They are a great way to test the waters and they are nice because they automatically pair you with internet users who have the same interests, views, or beliefs as you do. 

Perhaps, the greatest reasons why should join a social networking website is because most are free to use. Popular free networks include Yahoo! 360, Orkut, and MySpace. In addition to free social networks, there are online networks in which you are required to pay to join. Although you may not want to pay for something that you can obtain for free elsewhere, you will find that most paid networks offer you more membership benefits, when compared to free social networking sites.

Due to the fact that most social networking websites are free to use or at least free to try, you are encouraged to give them a shot. If you are unsatisfied with what you see, you can easily cancel your membership, often at anytime.  

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Orkut: Google’s Social Networking Website

Orkut:  Google’s Social Networking Website

Are you interested in meeting new people online?  How about people that share the same interests as you? If so, one of the best ways to find those individuals to use online social networking websites.  Social networking websites are often compared to neighborhoods or communities, but ones that are online. If are interested in making use of these popular websites, if you haven’t been already, you will need to find a social networking website to become a member of.  One of the websites that you may be interested in joining is Orkut.

Orkut, sounds interesting doesn’t it?  With other popular websites such as Yahoo! 360, Friendwise, Classmates, and MySpace, there are many who wonder how Orkut became the name of this popular online community.  Orkut is named after the individual who created it.  That man was an employee of Goggle and he is known as Orkut Buyukkokten.

  

If the name of the website doesn’t automatically draw you in, there is a good chance that the website features will. Like many other social networking websites, Orkut has a number of different member benefits. These benefits are what makes it worthwhile to become a member of this popular social networking website. As popular as Orkut is and as much as you would like to join, there are special procedures that you must follow.  Unfortunately, Google does not allow just anyone to become a member, you must be invited.

Current community members are the only ones who can extend you an invite.  This means that you should not waste your time trying to convince Google to let you join.  Being invited to join Orkut really isn’t as difficult as it may sound.  Orkut is so popular that there is a good chance that you know someone, if not personally than online, who can extend you an invite.  By performing a standard internet search, you should also be able to find Orkut members who would be willing to extend you an invitation, without even knowing who you are.

Although many internet users refrain from joining Orkut, just because of the invitation requirements, there is a good reason for limited membership.  Orkut is a social networking website that is free to use.  Unfortunately, free means that many people would wish to use the website. Many online social networking sites, that are free to use, have literally become ridiculous.  A large number of internet users get joy out of creating fake accounts and causing online controversy.  Google decided to make Orkut a special membership online website to prevent instances like that from happening.  

Orkut, like many other online social networking websites, has a number of different purposes.  Of course, the main purpose of Orkut is to allow you to connect with your friends, especially the ones that have extended an invitation to you, but you can do much more than that.  Once a member of Orkut, you can easily famialrize yourself with other website members who share the same interests as you do.  This will not only help you make new friends, but it may also result in the finding of your next romantic partner.  That is what is nice about Orkut, once you are a member, just about anything is possible.  

If you are interested in learning more about Orkut, before trying to obtain an invite, you will want to visit their online website.  You can do this by going to www.orkut.com.

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Staying Safe with Social Networking Websites

Staying Safe with Social Networking Websites

When it comes to internet safety, a large amount of focus has been placed on teenagers and the use of social networking websites.  Although it is important for teenagers to be careful when using these popular websites, they are not the only ones who should be concerned with their safety.  If you are an adult, who enjoys networking online, you should also be cautious when it comes to meeting and communicating with other internet users.

Although social networking websites are a great place to meet other internet users, especially ones with interests that are similar to yours, they can also be dangerous.  In recent years, there have been numerous reports of instances when individuals were harmed when they went to meet an individual that they met on an online social network, which includes dating websites.  If you are not careful and cautious, the same thing could happen to you.  This does not mean that you should be filled with fear; however, it does mean that you need to be cautious online.  

One of the many ways that you can protect yourself, when it comes to using online social networking websites, is by watching what you post online, particularly in your profile. You may not know this, but a large number of networking sites, including MySpace, FriendFinder, and Yahoo! 360 allow all internet users to see your profile or profile page. These internet users do not necessarily have to be a member of your online community. This means that although your networking community may be safe, there are still unsavory individuals out there who could easily obtain your personal information. 

In addition to the information that you make available to other internet users, including member profiles, you are advised to be cautious when making contact with other internet users, especially those that contact you.  A large number of social networking websites have open memberships. Essentially, this means that anyone can easily join and become a member.  Just because someone says they are who they are doesn’t necessarily mean that they are telling the truth. If at any point during your conversations you feel that you are speaking with someone who is making you feel comfortable or not telling the truth, you are advised to end your conversation. 

For many individuals it is enough to chat with others online, but for some it is not enough. Whether you are asked to meet with an online friend or if you initiated the meeting yourself, you are advised to be cautious.  You will not want to meet with an individual who you have only known online for a short period of time.  For safety reasons, it is advised that you speak with one of your online friends at least a month before agreeing to meet with them. If and when that meeting does take place, you are urged to have it in a public place.  That way if your meeting does not go as well as you had originally planned, you will be able to ensure your safety by having others around you.

The above mentioned precautionary measures are just a few of the many that you should take. Although you may be worried about hurting someone’s feelings or losing an online friend, you shouldn’t be. Your safety is far too important to be concerned with what others will be thinking or feeling.  

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