Social Networking, Online Communities, and Technology Tools: Maximize the Benefits and Your Personal Security
Welcome to the University of Southern California. Life at USC offers an opportunity to interact with our vibrant community, including wide-ranging academic, social and cultural offerings. We understand that you will want to connect with your colleagues in peers in myriad ways. As you begin your studies at USC, we offer some counsel regarding the use of online communities and other information technology resources, including both opportunities and risks.
Online communities (such as Facebook, MySpace, Xanga), blogging tools, instant messaging and other social networking resources are useful for allowing students to develop connections both on campus and outside of USC. For example, students may use online communities to establish study groups for classes, identify shared interests and solicit involvement in new student organizations.
We understand that these online resources can be valuable tools. However, students should be aware of the risks involved in participating in social networking applications as well. Information shared through online communities and similar Web sites is considered public information — even when the Web application requires a password or special membership to join.
We recommend that students exercise good judgment and use discretion when posting information online or in any public venue.
Keep the following information in mind when using online communities and other social networking applications:
- In posting content on the World Wide Web, you cannot control who has access to your information.
- Even after you erase or delete data from a profile, blog, etc., the information you posted may stay online through caching technology. Additionally, it may have been downloaded and distributed without your knowledge.
- Future employers, graduate schools, campus organizations and others may use information gathered from online communities when making decisions.
- Anyone with an "@usc.edu" email address has access to the USC Facebook community, including individual student profiles, photos and groups (unless the owners set specific privacy limitations).
- By agreeing to the terms of use, you grant permission for online communities to republish your content and share information with advertisers, third parties and law enforcement officials, among other.
What can you do to maximize your privacy and personal safety? Follow these simple tips:
- Be selective about the specific content of your personal postings. Don't post items that you wouldn't be comfortable allowing literally anyone to read.
- Use privacy settings, where available, to limit access to your information.
- Only post phone numbers and residential information on trusted sites with enhanced security features: such as OASIS.
- Avoid posting information regarding your whereabouts or daily schedule.
- Do not share passwords and login information with anyone.
- Always log out and close your browser, particularly when using computers in public places (libraries, labs, etc.) or at a friend's place.
- Understand your rights. Carefully read the terms of use policies for any online community you join.
- Educate yourself about socializing online, avoiding identity theft, and other privacy and personal security issues. OnGuardOnline.com is a good resource for wide-ranging information.
Acknowledgements: Georgetown University and Cornell University