Posting to Social Media While on Vacation

A study was done in the UK in 2011, which revealed that about 78% of burglars use social media as a way to choose their next target (McMillan, 2011). With most social media sites allowing users to check into locations, it makes it easier for burglars to determine whom to target next. As a result of most users not using privacy settings for their profiles, burglars are able to comb through their pictures and posts that discuss their vacation plans.

Here are ways in which you can prevent this from happening to you.

1. To keep burglars away from your home or business when going on vacation, don’t overshare your vacation plans. Keep them to yourself or with your friends and family, until you return home.

2. Before leaving, turning your location settings off will prevent your geographic location from being shared online.

3. If you’re wanting to write posts about your vacation, using a social media management website will help in scheduling the postings from going up until you return home.

4. Manage your tagging settings before heading out, to prevent posts that you’re tagged into posting on your page automatically.