Depending on age and ability to pound out a keyboard, it's safe to say most of us know what is/isn't appropriate to put online. At least for safety's sake - annoying chatter aside. For instance, random occurrences can be funny so long as addresses aren't given, don't post your social security number or what your boss said in an off-the-record meeting, etc.
But what if you have a really strict boss? One who watches your every move, follows up with physical workout threats, and has a lot on the line? When say, national security is at risk, the social media rules come a little more strict.
At least that's the latest from the U.S. Army, who released a 52-page handbook as to what can and can't be posted online. And that's for soldiers and civilians - both workers and soldiers' families.
What's in the Book?
With 52 pages of eye-popping fun, the book explains the dangers that can come with social media, along with detailed best practices. One of the biggest suggestions is to not divulge specific information; while it's ok to say one is deployed in Afghanistan, it's not ok to list the respective city and camp in which they are stationed. The same goes for those back home, who shouldn't release their own location.
Another main point is to disable Geotagging, which can pinpoint locations. When in use, social media posts, or even smartphone applications, can determine where soldiers are stationed at any given time. To ensure their safety, soldier should deny permission to these Geotagging features - a measure that the rest of us should consider as well.
Family dangers, networking safe practices, are also included in the book. If it's social media, it's likely that it's covered in the army's constantly updating handbook.
What Can We Learn?
While made for the army, this handbook takes several important aspects into account, most of which are based on privacy and privacy settings. The Internet can be a creepy place, and by limiting what personal information is available, we can help protect others and ourselves, no matter our positions.
Think before you post; it can save lives.