To my fellow older adults – you can stay safe on Facebook while enjoying yourself!

As we approach the holiday season, we are likely to be spending even more time than usual on Facebook. Therefore, this is a good time to focus on the benefits and challenges of being on this social media site.

There so many benefits for seniors to be had by being active on Facebook (and other types of social media). For example, Alissa Bauer’s article in the August 3, 2020 issue of Senior Living Blog includes such benefits as:

  • Connecting with family members who live far away
  • Making new friendships and reconnecting with old friends
  • Becoming more involved in civic engagement
  • Marketing a new business
  • Entertaining themselves by playing games or watching interesting videos.

Read her article “The Benefits of Social Media Use for Seniors” at this link:

www.leisurecare.com/resources/benefits-of-social-media-for-seniors/

Yet, there are also safety considerations that everyone, especially seniors, should keep in mind when using social media. Even though these tips are focused primarily on Facebook, they can sometimes be applicable to other social media sites.

Safety Tips for Older Adults Using Facebook

  • Carefully review your privacy settings. For example, restrict who can see your posts. I recommend limiting your audience for your posts to your Facebook friends. Don’t allow your Facebook page to be searchable within a Google or other internet search.
  • Consider using a different birthdate than your actual birthdate. At a minimum, hide the year of your birth so that only you can see it.
  • Add two-factor authentication to help keep others from getting into your account.
  • Don’t use the same password for Facebook that you use for other online accounts.
  • Only accept Facebook friend requests from people you know. If you get a request from a stranger, consider blocking that person on Facebook.
  • If you have something to say privately to someone on Facebook, message them through Facebook Messenger.
  • When someone sends you a friend request who you believe is already your Facebook friend, check your list of friends. If you see that person on your list, report the duplicate account to Facebook. Alert your friend that someone is impersonating them on Facebook.
  • Consider having a family member or friend who is Facebook-savvy help you to make adjustments in your account.

Reach out to me at joyce@boomerssocialmediatutor.com with your questions on how to implement these safety measures. I would be happy to do a short virtual session with you at no charge.

 

How About You?

What advice do you have for older adults as they use Facebook or other social media sites? If you’re an older adult, what safety precautions do you take?

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. She works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.