What is an Online Profile?

An online profile contains personal information about a user and is used in social-networking sites, instant messaging, chat rooms, and email. Strangers, including online predators, can view this information and use it to identify who you are, where you live, the name of your school, names of your family and friends, and more. It is best to leave your online profile blank if you want to protect your privacy. If you choose to complete an online profile, make sure you understand how to use the site and keep the following tips in mind:

  • Be guarded about who you let join your network
  • Only add people as friends if you know them in real life
  • Set privacy settings so that you have to approve people to be added as a friend
  • Use the privacy features on the site you use to restrict strangers' access to your profile

    Don't forget that your profile and MySpace forums are public spaces. Don't post anything you wouldn't want the world to know (e.g., your phone number, address, IM screens name, or specific whereabouts). Avoid posting anything that would make it easy for a stranger to find you, such as where you hang out every day after school.