Carlos Garcia

A lot of Texas State students use social media, but they might not be aware of how much they're giving up in terms of privacy. In this Bobcat Update, Carlos Garcia tells us how students can avoid revealing too much.

Standup: Here on campus, it's not unusual to see students use social media sites like Facebook and twitter. But for many, privacy has become a contentious issue that affects the way these sites are used.
You see people constantly checking their messages. They're staring into their phones while waiting for a bus or while having a lunch break. The content of their messages will vary depending on which site is being used. It could be a quick status update or a tweet. And there are settings available that can limit who receives certain messages. Users of social media can post messages for everyone to see, or, if they choose, only close friends and family. Sophomore Blew Byrom says he isn't particularly concerned about maintaining privacy.
BlewByromSOT :10 ...If you don't want people to see it, don't post it on facebook... 
But then there are those who don't trust social media companies to keep their content safe from hackers or government agencies. Junior Ryan Zucker says some people use social media reluctantly:
RyanZuckerSOT :10 ...I use Facebook only because a professor made us do it... 
Bridge: With hacking becoming more sophisticated and privacy becoming less secure, officials here at the University are urging students to use social media more carefully.
SueTaylorSOT :10 ...It's important to not post personal information like your location...
Standup: Despite the issues surrounding privacy, the use of social media is steady. Understanding what we publish could affect is in the long run is just the first step in adapting to this changing technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Carlos Garcia.