Is Facebook safe?

Media Boy UK · 04-01-2010, 16:43

Hi

I am thinking about joining Facebook.

But before I join I need to know if any has any bad storys about Facebook.

downquark1 · 04-01-2010, 16:47

Set your privacy settings strict and don't install any of the stupid applications on it.

But there is a risk that if your friends are running stupid applications it can steal your info so only accept trustworthy people as friends.

peanut · 04-01-2010, 16:49

I personally don't get it. I suppose it's one of those things you have to try and see really. I prefer my privacy rather than tell everyone that you're having a miserable existence compared to everyone else you read about on there.

I've been sent some dodgy links from there before that contain viruses, but other than that common sense as usual.

Keyz333 · 04-01-2010, 17:04

For a Social networking site, it's good.

Advice,
Don't use the Apps. (As said before)
Don't click links in messages etc. People have been spamming bad links recently.

You can accept anyone really, it's just the invites to apps, and other website which gets you.

It's not a 'dangerous' website or anything, it is fine to use day-to-day, and you are pretty unlikely to get anything from it, just be careful.

Raistlin · 04-01-2010, 17:11

Lock your privacy settings down so that only those people that are your friends can see anything.

Don't put your address, telephone number, or anything like that on the site even if you think only your friends can see it!

Only accept friendship invitations from peopel that you know.

I personally block all applications and don't play any of the games (farms, mafia wars, etc), I also don't accept invitations to any of the games even from people that I know.

Regularly review your settings and information to make sure that you're not inadvertantly showing information that you don't want to show to other people.

Keep informed on any news surrounding Facebook, read all the articles, read any site-wide notices that they post, make sure you fully understand the security implications of being registered there.

Facebook, like any other web site, is only as 'safe' as you are 'sensible' - if you take care of your information, limit what you post there, and excercise a little healthy caution, you will be fine.

Halcyon · 04-01-2010, 18:37

Like anything on the Internet don't do what I saw the other day which was a friend posting her address and phone number on there.
Remember that there is some information you shouldnt share with the entire world.

cimt · 07-01-2010, 07:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Like anything on the Internet don't do what I saw the other day which was a friend posting her address and phone number on there.
Remember that there is some information you shouldnt share with the entire world.

Someone did that on MySpace before and I believe over 300 people turned up for an house party which was meant to only be for friends to see or something. So as long as you're not stupid with what you post and use then you should be OK.

Matth · 07-01-2010, 16:26

If you will have a lot of "fan friends", then use restricted lists, or restrict general friends to very little access and have a "super friend" list that is given more access.

The new privacy options drew criticism, as they pushed toward making more things public by default.

You could also set up a closed group, and keep your profile for actual friends only

iFrankie · 07-01-2010, 16:29

the apps aint safe, things seem to pop up on my wall without me even knowing it.

Matth · 07-01-2010, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie07

the apps aint safe, things seem to pop up on my wall without me even knowing it.

Oh yes, lots of dishonest apps, and so many of them make nag constanly to get posting privileges ... Just say no, remove the bad app if you have it, and leave a 1 star review with reason!

broadbandking · 07-01-2010, 18:51

Facebook is as safe as you make it.

Gary L · 08-01-2010, 10:16

I think I'm the only one who has never used facebook, and never will

You can buy fake friends if you haven't got many.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...e-friends.html

broadbandking · 08-01-2010, 11:11

or use cable forum and be nice and send friend requests lol

**Chris** · 08-01-2010, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary L

I think I'm the only one who has never used facebook, and never will

Nope, there's at least two of us.

Anonymouse · 08-01-2010, 12:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Nope, there's at least two of us.

Three. I recently saw my sister on the thing...cleaning up her fishtank.

If you're on Facebook, you doubtless know what I mean. If not...don't ask. Just don't.

To think bandwidth is being wasted on such frivolity - no wonder the Internet's collapsing.