What *can* be shared?

 When it comes to sharing information online, the safest approach is to be cautious and thoughtful about everything you post. The rule of thumb is: if you wouldn't be comfortable with a stranger knowing it, or with it being public forever, don't share it online.

Here's a breakdown of what can be shared safely, keeping the context and platform in mind:

1. Information about Hobbies and Interests

This is generally the safest type of information to share. Discussing your favorite books, movies, sports teams, or hobbies can be a great way to connect with others who share your interests. This kind of information rarely poses a security risk and is a fundamental part of social networking.

2. General Opinions and Ideas

Sharing your thoughts on non-controversial topics, or engaging in discussions about general concepts, is low-risk. For example, commenting on a news article, sharing a recipe you tried, or posting a photo of a beautiful landscape is generally fine.

3. Content that is Vague or Lacks Specific Details

You can often share information by being intentionally vague. For example, instead of posting a picture of your house with its address visible, you can share a photo of your garden. Instead of saying "I'm on vacation in Hawaii for two weeks," you could say "Having a great time on a recent trip!" after you've returned home.

4. Public Information

Information that is already a matter of public record, such as your profession, can sometimes be shared. However, even with this, it's wise to be cautious. For example, you might mention your company but not your specific team or a detailed job description that could be used for social engineering attacks.

5. Information within a Trusted, Private Group

Many platforms allow you to create private groups or use direct messaging. Sharing information within a private group with people you know and trust can be a safer option than posting it publicly. However, even in these situations, be aware that someone could screenshot and share the information outside of the group.

A Note on Photos

Photos can be a security risk. They often contain "metadata" that can include the location where the photo was taken (geotagging). Before sharing photos, especially those taken at or near your home, consider turning off location services on your phone for your camera app. It's also a good practice to avoid posting pictures of things with personal identifiers, such as:

 * Your license plate number

 * Credit cards or IDs

 * The front of your home with the house number visible

 * A plane ticket with the barcode visible

The Bottom Line

The best way to stay safe is to assume that anything you post online can be seen by anyone and may exist forever. This mindset encourages a higher level of caution and helps you make better decisions about what to share. It's always better to be overly cautious than to regret sharing something that compromises your privacy or security later on.