Things You Should Never (Ever) Post On Social Media

YOUR HOME ADDRESS: This should be a no-brainer, but in case you need a reason, here it is: Sharing your home address on social media is a bad idea because it’s like sending an open invitation for a house call to the world. Do you really want a person you barely know randomly showing up, or worse, knowing where you live at the same time they see you posting photos in real time on vacation? Note: Make sure the geo-tagging features on your social media accounts are turned off as well, so it’s not automatically posting the coordinates you’re sharing from.

SOMEONE ELSE’S BIG NEWS: You just got the best text message ever–your best friend is engaged. (And expecting!) Of course you’re beyond excited for her, but don’t let all of that joy lead you to posting a congratulatory status before she’s even had time to share her own big news. It’s never a good idea to post someone else’s personal news without permission.

PHOTOS OF YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE IN A COMPROMISING POSITION: Snapping a selfie while having a cocktail or two is totally acceptable when you’re enjoying a girls night out, but maybe the friend standing next to you isn’t as thrilled as you are about the Internet owning a photo of her holding a glass. Go ahead and document the night, but always ask before you share, and especially tag, when recreational activities are involved. Friendly reminder: Photos from your “gone wild” adventures can definitely come back to haunt you.

EXTREME POLITICAL VIEWS: Everyone has an opinion about the current state of politics, and every right to share their thoughts. While you can voice your views about certain topics on your social feed, because you know, freedom of speech, beware that sharing extreme views could be polarizing, risk future or current employment and attract trolling. Are you ready for that?

THREATS: Threats are wrong, period, and posting them online is even worse. Threatening harm to others is serious and possibly even a crime, depending on the wording and motivation behind it. Even if you’re kidding, remember that “jokes” don’t always come over well online and not everyone has the same sense of humor you do. Put simply: Everyone reads things the way they want to receive them, and you have no control over that. Play it safe and keep it positive, always.

RELATIONSHIP WOES: Are you and your lover having problems, going through a super messy break up or in the middle of a bitter divorce? Wait. Don’t answer that, because, actually, we don’t need to know. Save the heart-to-heart convos about your hurt and pain for the people who care about you and whose opinions actually matter. Your neighbor, second grade history teacher or co-worker shouldn’t know the play-by-play of your pain.

WORK-RELATED GRIEVANCES: We get it. Your boss is a total pain and the co-worker who sits next to you keeps bringing smelly meals for lunch. You have every right to be annoyed, but publicly shaming them or venting won’t win you any cool points at work. You never know who might be watching.

indecency: It’s okay to wake up feeling yourself like Beyoncé, but save the sexy mirror nudes for the private collection.

YOUR BANK ACCOUNT BALANCE: Just got a big raise at work? Great! Received a tax turn that was larger than you expected? Awesome! Have you been saving more than you’ve been spending? Even better! A wonderful idea to do with that news? Keep it to yourself. Never share photos of a bank statement, ATM receipt, credit card or anything that leads digital breadcrumbs to your bank accounts. This, friends, is the definition of personal information.

FUNERAL PHOTOS: When someone you love passes away, it’s heartbreaking. It’s important to mourn, but think twice before you let your emotions lead to flooding your public feeds with funeral moments that might make others uncomfortable like caskets, graves or crying guests.

YOUR LUNCH: Unless you’re a food blogger who has mastered the art of perfect lighting, plating and making a dish look as good as it tastes, please don’t share a picture of your food on social media. It’s safe to say that this is universally annoying to all.