Teach: Things to Be Careful About on Social Media

Things to Be Careful About on Social Media

Many people use social media to communicate with friends or share things they like. Although it is very convenient, using it incorrectly can lead to trouble. In this lesson, you will learn three things to be careful about when using social media.

Be Careful About Information That Reveals Your Location

When posting photos or videos on social media, pay attention to the “background.” If your school uniform appears, people may be able to identify your school. Location information automatically recorded in a photo (data showing where it was taken) may also reveal the location of your home or school. A post such as “I am at ◯◯ now” tells strangers where you are. Remember that even a post intended to be fun may reveal your daily routine or location to people you do not know.

Do Not Write Insults or Harsh Comments

There is a person with feelings on the other side of the social media screen, just like you. Do not write insults or harsh comments that you would not be able to say while looking directly at the person. In text-only communication, tone of voice and facial expressions are not conveyed, so even a light joke may deeply hurt someone. It is a good habit to think, “Could I say this directly to the person?” before posting.

Be Careful When Communicating with Strangers

A person you meet on social media or in an online game may not really be the person they claim to be. They may be pretending to be a different age or gender. It is dangerous to share personal information (such as your name, school, or where you live) or arrange to meet alone. If you feel even slightly that something is strange or frightening, stop communicating and talk to a trusted adult nearby, such as a family member or teacher.

Example Suppose you post a photo taken at your nearest station while still wearing your school uniform after club activities, with the comment “On my way home today.” The school may be identified from the uniform design, and the station you usually use may be identified from its name, even by strangers. A photo posted in a happy mood can unexpectedly reveal your location—this is one of the “hard-to-notice” dangers of social media.
Key Points
  • Do not include clues that reveal your location, such as uniforms, station names, or location information.
  • If you cannot say something directly, do not write it either.
  • Text-only communication is likely to cause misunderstandings.
  • A person you meet on social media may not be who they claim to be.
  • Do not share personal information or meet alone. Consult an adult if you feel uneasy.

Practice Problems

  1. A photo posted on social media may reveal your school or location. Give one example of information to be careful about.
  2. Explain why text-only communication is likely to cause misunderstandings.
  3. Explain why it is dangerous to arrange to meet alone with someone you met on social media.

Answers and Explanations

  1. Answer: (Examples) A school uniform visible in the photo, a station name, location information automatically recorded in the photo, and so on. Posts saying “where I am now” also require caution.
    Explanation: One specific example is sufficient. It is good to notice either the “background” or “location information.”
  2. Answer: Because tone of voice and facial expressions are not conveyed through text alone, something written as a light joke may be understood by the other person as a serious insult.
    Explanation: The answer is correct if it states that the lack of emotional expression or tone causes misunderstandings.
  3. Answer: The name or age given by the person online may not be true, and the person may not be who you think they are. If you meet alone, it may be difficult to ask others for help even if something dangerous happens.
    Explanation: Either or both of the points that the person may not be who they claim to be and that it is difficult to call for help when alone are acceptable.

Information (Junior High): related lessons