Facebook is a wonderful way to stay connected with family and friends, share photos, and keep up with community news. For many people, it is their main link to loved ones who live far away. Yet it can also feel overwhelming at times, especially with privacy settings, friend requests, and scams to watch out for.

The good news is that you can enjoy Facebook safely by learning a few simple habits. With a little care, you can stay connected and protect your privacy at the same time.

Review your privacy settings

Facebook gives you control over who sees your posts, photos, and personal information. Go to Settings and Privacy → Privacy Checkup to review your options. You can choose whether your posts are public, visible only to friends, or shared with specific people.

Keep personal details such as your phone number, address, and birthday private. Sharing too much information can make it easier for scammers to guess passwords or impersonate your account.

Be careful with friend requests

If you do not recognise a name or photo, do not feel pressured to accept a friend request. Scammers sometimes create fake accounts that look like real people. Check whether you have mutual friends, look at the profile picture, and read the “About” section before accepting.

If something feels off, you can always delete the request or block the account. Trust your instincts.

Think before clicking

Be cautious about links in messages or comments. Fake competitions, giveaways, or shocking headlines are often traps that lead to unsafe websites. If you are unsure, do not click. Instead, search for the information directly on Facebook or through Google to confirm if it is real.

Manage your notifications

Facebook can easily become overwhelming with constant alerts. Go to Settings → Notifications to choose what you want to see. This helps you stay focused on posts from friends and family rather than distractions from games or pages you do not use.

Share, connect, and enjoy

When used wisely, Facebook can help reduce loneliness and bring joy through shared photos, memories, and conversations. You can join community groups, watch live events, and connect with people who share your interests.

The key is balance: stay social, stay aware, and know that you are in control of what you share.

At Troubleshoot IT, I help people across Darwin and the Northern Territory, and through remote sessions across Australia, learn how to use Facebook safely and confidently. Together, we make social media a positive and enjoyable experience.

Want help setting up Facebook privacy settings or spotting scams?
Visit troubleshootit.com.au to book a friendly, one-on-one session and feel confident using social media again.