The Dangers of Social Media & The Internet: Yes...They REALLY Exist!

It's funny how things all seem to fall into perspective when you become a parent. As a tween/teenager I had everything: AIM, MySpace, BlackPlanet, etc. Today I have Facebok, Instagram, and Twitter. My daughter, who's 8, doesn't even have a cell phone though, let alone access to any social networking sites. She is able to go on YouTube and google but there are restrictions, just like there's restrictions on the television as well. I'm as strict as I am because I know the activties that can go on. I was NO ANGEL. I wasn't a horror either though. I just wasn't cautious or safe enough. And now with all the kids turning up missing and even worse income cases, assaulted or dead...it's terrifying. Is your privacy and safety really worth the likes, friends, followers, and comments? "If I knew then what I know now..." I have my personal profiles on IG and FB private. My Twitter and promotional IG are public. I'm more cautious and strategic when it comes to what I share, when and how I share it etc. Are your social media profiles privtae or public? Regardless of your answer, tell me why? No judgment of course. With all that is in the news about the true dangers of social media, if your page is public, would you consider changing that and sacrficing all the "internet fame" to ensure that you and what you choose to post are safe and secure?