Facebook Privacy Settings – What You Need To Know

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If you’ve been following this blog you probably came across my post (more like a rant) regarding the many changes of Facebook. I expressed how I just can’t keep up with FB anymore; every time I log in there is an addition, a subtraction, a new feature, new formats, new buttons and the list just goes on. Well, apparently, now they’ve done it again but this time they’ve changed the privacy settings. I think you should pause right here, log into to Facebook and check this out.

Here’s the scoop with this whole privacy setting thing: It appears that Facebook’s privacy settings have gotten a lot more detailed perhaps since you last took a peak at them. Back when I signed up for FB I do believe the extent of the privacy options we’re something like “Public or Private” and I went ahead and clicked private. Now this certainly not the case. Now there are details. Not just any standard details. These are details that must be micromanaged because in keeping with the practice of good ol’ ...
... Facebook, these details are constantly changing. I recently visited mashable.com for the CliffNotes on these privacy changes and here’s a little of what I learned.

First and Foremost: Sharing on Facebook

This obviously controls who you share content with. My advice is to be very careful with the sharing of photos and status updates as I’m sure you’ve heard the horror story of the employee who called out sick but status and photos revealed to all those interested that they were at the ball game. Not a good look. In my opinion, the more specific this setting is the better. I usually opt for the Friends Only setting with this one but if your boss is your friend you may want to further customize.

Next: Existing Photos

This is completely new to me. Apparently some of your photo albums may be private while others are not. You might want to go into your settings and take a look at that. Note to self: Lock photos immediately.

Then there is: Check Into Places

This setting (found under sharing) allows for your friends to check you into places without your consent. If you’re my friend and you’re reading this please note that this is the quickest way to be un-friended. If I want everyone to know where I am, I’ll tell them. Thanks.

Another important one: Public Search

This controls whether people who enter your name in a search engine will see a preview of your FB profile. I think it will be wise to check to see if the option is enabled in your settings. Before allowing such access to your page you may want to ask yourself if you’d mind a potential employer scrolling down your wall and reading your updates. Yikes!

One to look into: Friends list

I wasn’t aware of this but if you don’t want to share every detail of your life with all 500 of your FB friends you can create list to separate your friends and share the details you want with each list. This seems pretty cool, I do believe I’ll be looking into this.

This is just a little heads up about a few additions to Facebook’s privacy settings. Hopefully you are now prompted to log in, research and make changes. If I could offer any advice it would be to click private whenever the option is presented and uncheck enable at every given chance. There is a lot to be said for privacy folks, even if is in the most public forum.