Throwback Thursday: Keeping it Safe on Myspace in the Wild West Days

Remember those angsty bulletins, the endless customization options, and the hours spent hunting down the perfect song for your profile? Myspace, the OG social media platform, was a defining part of many of our teenage years. But with great online experiences came great responsibility, especially when it came to safety.

While Myspace is no longer the social giant it once was, the lessons we learned about online safety back then are still relevant today. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore some key Myspace safety tips that would make Tom from accounting (remember him?) proud:

Privacy Settings: Your Fortress of Solitude

Myspace profiles were like digital scrapbooks, but not everyone deserved a front-row seat. Utilize those privacy settings! Restrict who could see your profile, friend you, and leave comments. Back then, it felt a little dramatic, but setting boundaries online is crucial.

Stranger Danger: It Applies Online Too

Just like in real life, Myspace had its fair share of strangers. Don't accept friend requests from people you don't know, and be cautious about sharing personal information. Remember, the internet can feel anonymous, but that doesn't mean it is.

TMI? Think Before You Post

Those oversharing bulletins could come back to haunt you (remember, employers could see your profile!). Think twice before posting anything you wouldn't want your grandma to see.

Beware the Clickbait: Phishing for Trouble

Phishing scams were (and still are) a major concern. Don't click on suspicious links or accept friend requests from profiles promising "free downloads" or instant fame. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Report, Report, Report!

See something, say something! If you encountered bullying, inappropriate content, or suspected someone was impersonating another user, report it to Myspace (remember the handy "Report Abuse" button?).

The Power is in Your Hands

Ultimately, you were in control of your Myspace experience. Use safe browsing habits, be mindful of what you share, and don't hesitate to report anything that makes you uncomfortable.

Myspace may be a relic of the past, but the lessons it taught us about online safety are timeless. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media today, remember these golden nuggets of Myspace wisdom to keep your digital life secure.

Bonus Tip: Remember that awkward Myspace dance craze? Let's keep that one firmly in the past.

What are your best memories (or cautionary tales) about Myspace safety? Share them in the comments below!

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tips to stay safe on the web

1. Make sure the computer your child is using is in a public place, such as the living room , and not in their private bedroom. Placing the computer in a group area will allow parents to see exactly what their teenager or young adult is doing online and allow them to monitor the activities on the computer.

2. Don’t allow your teenager to password protect their identity on the computer. Parents should have full access to the computer to monitor the child and know exactly what your teen is doing on the computer.

3. Talk to your teen and insist that no compromising personal information is added to their profile such as their last name, school they attend, place of employment, address, phone numbers, date of birth, or where they hang out.

4. Talk to your teen about not using a real photo of themselves. If they must have a photo advise them to use a fake or modified photo or an anime (popular Japanese artistic drawing). This provides some anonymity. Their real friends will already know what they look like.

5. If you suspect your teen is doing something inappropriate online, try to find their profile and talk to them about it. If they aren’t forthcoming about it, you could install parental filtering software or a keylogger to change their minds.

6. Ask your teen not to interact with people who are over 18 unless they know them personally. They may end up receiving some material that was meant for adults instead. Although, a person’s age could be forged, most predators will probably fake their age to be younger instead of older.

7. If you are over 18, don’t flirt with minors. Be an adult.

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