The Cougar

The popular social networking website, Facebook, has had enormous reviews and network ratings but can also be dangerous.

Though Facebook may be full of social fun, it can also be dangerous. This site is known for scams and profile hacking. Facebook has had numerous scams from people offering gift certificates, pop ups, etc. Scammers can use these techniques to hack into a user’s system or Facebook profile and write “friends” messages to get money. For example, a user can be on Facebook checking or changing their status when they receive a message from their friend saying that they’re stranded in Puerto Rico with no money, their parents are out of town, and they need the user to send emergency money. When things like this happen, users should call their friend to see if it’s true or they can easily become a victim of a money scam. Here are a few safety tips on keeping your profile safe from scams and being hacked.

1. Do not give out any personal information such as your phone number, home address, social security number, or the school you attend.
2. Be sure to log off your profile every time you use a computer.
3. Do not approve any gift certificates that may cause viruses.
4. Do not talk to people who may seem suspicious over the internet.
5. Report any inappropriate material such as nude pictures, harassment notes, comments or messages.

Facebook is one of the fastest-growing and most well known sites today. Facebook is open for chatting, making friends, and informing people about local social events. It allows users to share pictures, videos, and notes for others to comment on. Photos and notes can be “tagged” to keep in touch with friends.

There are 200 million active Facebook users worldwide. “Facebook is interesting because there are more things to do such as games, applications and it makes everything much easier!” says Taja Floyd, 3rd year student at O.E.C. Kacy Moore (parent of an O.E.C student) says that she has connected with old friends from elementary and high school that she hasn’t seen in years, and has only had a Facebook account for 4 months. She feels very comfortable with the site. Teens, adults, and even critics say Facebook is a good social networking site to connect with new and old friends as long as caution and common sense are used.