Basic Privacy Settings on Social Media

Dear Techies,

Let’s be honest—most of us scroll through social media without thinking much about privacy. But those small settings can make a big difference in keeping your personal life safe.

Every time you post, like, or comment, you leave small clues about who you are. Together, these pieces form your digital footprint. Social platforms and even AI tools collect this information to improve their systems or target ads. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re sharing and who can see it.

The good news? You can protect your information in a few simple steps.

1. Check Who Can See Your Posts

Every social platform lets you decide who can view your content. Start there.

Instagram and Facebook:
Set your account to Private so only people you approve can see your posts. Go to Settings → Privacy → Account Privacy and switch on “Private.”
You can also turn off Activity Status so others don’t know when you’re online.

X (Twitter):
Turn on Protect your Tweets so only followers you approve can read what you post.

LinkedIn:
Limit what others can see on your profile. Go to Settings → Visibility and choose to share your phone number or email with Connections only.

🟣 Quick Tip: Do a privacy check once a month. Platforms often update settings without warning, and new features might default to “public.”

2. Watch What You Share in Your Bio and Stories

That funny meme or quick update might share more than you intend. Avoid posting your location in real time, personal IDs, or daily routines. If you wouldn’t say it to a stranger, don’t post it for everyone to see.

For stories or reels, you can also choose who views them. Instagram allows you to hide stories from specific people without unfollowing them. This helps you stay in control of what parts of your life are visible.

3. Review Your Tag Settings

Friends can tag you in posts or photos, but not every tag is flattering or safe. Go to your profile settings and turn on Review Tags Before They Appear on Your Profile. This gives you the chance to approve what others share about you before it goes public.

4. Be Smart With App Permissions

Many apps ask for access to your camera, microphone, contacts, or location. These permissions help some features work, but they can also collect unnecessary data.

On your phone, open Settings → Privacy → App Permissions and review what each app can access. Turn off location sharing for apps you rarely use, and avoid granting camera or microphone access unless it’s essential.

🟣 Tip: Avoid logging into new apps using your Facebook or Google account. It’s easier to use email and keep accounts separate.

5. Stay Safe With AI Tools Like ChatGPT

AI chatbots are helpful for work, learning, or writing, but they also store your conversations to improve their performance. Protect your data by following these steps:

• Do not share personal details like your address, phone number, or company name.

• In ChatGPT, go to Settings → Data Controls and turn off Improve the model for everyone if you prefer not to have your chats used for AI training.

• Delete old conversations that include sensitive details.

• Use “temporary chat” or “incognito” features when available.

• Remember that deleted chats might remain in backups for a short time, so always think before you type.

Treat AI tools like a public notebook. Write only what you’re comfortable sharing.

6. Do a Regular Privacy Cleanup

Think of your digital life like a room—it gets messy if you ignore it. Once every few months, do a quick cleanup:

• Delete old posts that no longer represent you.

• Remove unused apps or connected websites.

• Update your passwords and turn on two-step verification.

• Check what shows up when you Google your name.

Small, regular changes go a long way in protecting your data.

Your privacy isn’t about hiding; it’s about having control. When you choose what to share and with whom, you protect not just your data but your peace of mind.

Take a few minutes this week to review your settings on one platform. Next week, move to another. Soon, your online presence will be safer, cleaner, and fully under your control.

Your Tech Partner,
Ijeoma Ndu, PhD

P.S. Did you know I wrote a book? Tech Savvy Starts Here is available on Amazon—a practical, engaging guide for families and educators helping kids build confidence with technology. Check it out here.

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