As a social media influencer, you know how rewarding it feels to make a difference in the lives of your followers. It doesn’t matter if you are an activist, reality television celebrity, or lifestyle guru, your words and actions matter. And that’s a great feeling: to know that what you say and do makes an impact on others. But part of being an influencer means sharing your life with the world on public platforms. From your home and community to friends and family, you may already know all too well the risks that come with this type of intimate sharing.
Yes, there are thousands of adoring fans who wish nothing but the best for you and your career. On the other hand, the sad reality exists that there is an insidious side to the life of an influencer. Between obsessed fans, stalkers, and trolls, you need to know that there are certain safety risks in the life of a social media influencer.
So . . . what’s an influencer to do? You don’t want to stop sharing – but you also don’t want to put your safety at risk, either.
Fortunately, there are some simple social worker safety tips you can take to remain safe while sharing:
Share – But Not Too Much
While most of your followers might not be able to get enough of the details of your life, share your life within reason. Showcasing pictures of the latest hairstyle or amazing bargain find is completely different than sharing your cell phone number or address. Even if it’s clear that you live on the west coast, that doesn’t mean you need to make specific references to your hometown, street name, school, etc.
The same goes for middle and last names, times and places. Going to breakfast with a friend? Great, but you don’t need your followers to know the address of the restaurant and exact time you’ll be there. Pictures of you and your friend smiling with the avocado toast and smoothies allow you to share – without becoming a stalker’s target.
Engage – With the Right People
No, this isn’t a way to be cliquish or snobby. It’s about being smart when you choose to interact with followers. If that person messaging you seems violent, angry, or sketchy in any way, limit your interactions (especially private ones!). Don’t allow for unwanted advances or harassment. Just because you’re a public figure doesn’t mean that you should accept abusive behaviors or dangerous people into your life. And if someone continues unwanted overtures or threats? Report him or her immediately to the proper authorities.
Remain Public – With Good Privacy
Take a good hard look at all of your accounts, and get to know more about each platform’s privacy settings. Posting pictures? Location settings may unwittingly pinpoint your location to strangers you’d rather not have knowing your whereabouts. On Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Facebook or Twitter? Read their privacy policies to be sure your settings are as secure as you want them to be. And remember that these companies’ privacy settings do change (some more frequently than others), so be sure to revisit the policies regularly.
Keep Yourself Safe with a Personal Safety Device
No matter where you go, if you carry a personal safety devices with you, then help can reach you with the touch of a button. Silent Beacon’s personal safety device is the best way that you, as a social media influencer, can ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
It’s important that you carry the small, lightweight Silent Beacon with you wherever you go. Then, if you’re ever in an emergency situation, simply press the button on the device. Help is now on the way, and all of your pre-stored contacts will receive an alert to let them know you need help.
More details about how the Silent Beacon Panic Button for Social Worker works:
First, determine your contacts. This can include friends, family, emergency personnel . . . even 911! Next, enable the voice activation feature if you would like to have the ability to speak to your primary contact during an emergency as you wait for help to arrive. Then, pair the device with the free Silent Beacon app, and you’re ready to go!
You can clip the Silent Beacon onto a lanyard or keychain. Or, it’s possible to keep it in your pocket or purse, if you prefer. Should you encounter an emergency situation, press the button on the Silent Beacon. The social media safety device will communicate with the free Silent Beacon app (no logins needed!) to alert your contacts by text, phone call, email – or all three. The GPS technology will allow first responders to accurately identify your location, saving minutes . . . when every second counts.
And if you’re wondering how much this peace of mind costs, you can rest easy. The device is only $99.99, and there are no hidden costs. While other personal safety device companies may charge you for activation, as well as recurring charges for call center services, the Silent Beacon’s price is a one-time cost that never expires and doesn’t require any other fancy equipment, call centers, etc.
To learn more, visit: https://silentbeacon.com.
Well, there you have it. Take advantage of these simple tips, and you will be able to enjoy being a successful social media influencer . . . who is also a safe influencer.
