Social networking websites took over our lives a couple of years back. And then, their journey continued onwards towards complete invasion. From just the web browser based access in 2008, these websites, networks rather, have completely taken over most of our network-connected gadgets. The laptop, the tablet, smartphone, and even the HD media players- all are under the social networking control!

Since these networks are so easily available to users, it is inevitable most people signed up. Pretty soon, it was all about posting away on the walls, tweeting and interacting with friends. However, like most things addictive, things started to get a little out of hand. Things that aren’t supposed to be shared on the online world began to be posted on these sites, by users themselves. Two pronged reasoning for this- lack of knowledge about what not to post, or the lack of judgment on the part of the users.

However, the risks posed by such uncontrolled sharing of information are immense. Here is a guide about what not to post on social networking websites.

Mobile number: It is an absolute no-no to put your mobile phone number on a social networking website. Not only will the tele-marketers get hold of that number, but worse case scenario, you will get prank calls and getting smartphone stalked may just become a part of your daily routine!

The address: Why would you want the world to know where you live? Agreed, websites like Facebook have the “address” field on your profile page, but we suggest you don’t fill that one up. Otherwise you end up running the risk of getting physically stalked, and getting the not very social elements outside your home. And if you happen to be a pretty girl (beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, agreed!), then it’s just a question of how long the line of Facebook trolling roadside Romeos will be, outside your home.

Bank account details: Putting your bank account details online for the world to see? Well, you might as well commit financial suicide anyway. Put details online. Someone somewhere may find those details, even via some shady search engine, and poof- all your money will be gone. Trust us, there are people who troll the world wide web just for that info leading to a goldmine, and you may just be heading for their pit.

Credit Card information: Similar to the bank account details, credit card information is extremely sensitive. Please do not post your credit card number, and worse still, any security codes that come with it. If you do, you are just opening yourself up to a huge risk of financial identity theft.

The real feelings: While you may truly hate your job, it is better not to post your true feelings (and any murderous/suicidal intents) on the social networking websites. It is quite possible that your current employers check your posts, and it absolutely very much possible that any future employers will check out what you have been posting. Just to get an insight into the kind of person you are. Don’t want to set a bad impression now, do we?

Personal chats: Private conversations on social networking forums are open for everyone to see, unless done via the inbox. However, people don’t use discretion. Something between you and some other person is between you two only, and not the entire world. Why broadcast it anyway?

Where’s the party tonight? By putting your party/social gathering hosting plans on a social networking website and inviting only a few people, you may make the others feel left out. If you are inviting a few friends, invite them only. Why lose friends and alienate people?