How to Feel Safer Using MySpace

Are you worried about using MySpace?

If you are like everyone else using MySpace you are having a good time interacting and socializing with kids your age from all over the world. But in the back of your mind a nagging little voice keeps reminding you about things you have heard about kids being duped by online predators.

If you aren't enjoying your MySpace time so much as you used to, perhaps a few tips would help you feel safer using MySpace.

First off; use common sense and plenty of it when on MySpace. Just like at the mall, be careful alert to strangers that approach you. It is a well known fact that online predators disguise themselves as teens or children in order to approach unsuspecting kids on social networking websites. When you are approached with a friend request from someone you do not know, refuse it!



Learn to use security and safety tools that MySpace provides for its users. There are many tools that users can utilize to control and customize their profile; ironically many users have no idea these options exist yet they fret over their safety. Find the tools and use them to ramp up your feelings of security.

One of the best tools available is the private profile option for MySpace's teen and younger users. With a private profile only users on your friends list can view your profile. Specific information and photos will not be available to those not on your friends list; only your default picture, general area of residence and your headline will be available to those not on your friends list. Tip: your default picture should not be a picture of you (or anyone else); use a picture of something you enjoy like flowers.

MySpace provides an option which allows you to make it a requirement that any user must either enter your last name or your complete email address to complete a friend request. In other words, if a MySpace user comes across your profile and try to send you a friend request, they will be required to fill in either your last name or your email address. If they are strangers, they will not know this information. This option enables you to effectively eliminate random friend requests from persons you do not know.

If you like to keep a low profile, learn to hide your status when you are online. If you would prefer to not announce you are online every time you log in, change the setting and the "Online Now" icon won't materialize by your picture announcing your online status.

Be aware that even though the "About Me" survey is meant to be a way to exchange information and introduce one's self, there are a few questions you should NOT answer for security and safety purposes. On this survey you will find questions asking your complete name, place of birth and date of birth.

NEVER post the answers to these questions since with the answers an unscrupulous person could ascertain your real identity, find out your actual address and phone number, get your social security number, steal your identity and in general make your life miserable or worse.

There is no reason not to have fun using MySpace; use common sense and MySpace's protective options to keep you secure and soon you will back to having a great experience on MySpace every time you log in. Following these simple guidelines will allow you to use MySpace safe and effectively.