It’s safe to say that a large number of smartphone users are also very dependent on social media. However, not all of them may realize how risky they can be.
While social media apps can be a gift, they allow us to connect to loved ones near and far, they can also get a little risky, with newer phenomena like catfishing and more. Some social media apps are also a little risky given the way they use and share data, making some tech and safety experts raise their eyebrows. Using information from tech and internet pros, we share two of the “riskiest” social media apps that put your privacy and data at risk. Read more about them below.
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1. Snapchat
Snapchat started off as a fun way to send silly photos back and forth, but it turned into so much more, with stories, filters, the 'Snap Map,' and more. While it's still a fun way to connect with others, it certainly comes with its fair share of risks, including catfishing, downloading photos without consent, and more data-related issues.
"When we read Snapchat's privacy policy, we found out it collects your data from three major sources," wrote tech experts with Security.org.
"That includes information they gather while you use the app, data they receive from third parties, and other data they collect with your permission. This is the typical way big tech companies gather data on you."
The photo-swapping app also requests that many smartphone users let it use their location services, which contribute to its Snap Map feature and more.
"One of the major pieces of data Snapchat collects from users is their precise location using GPS signals," continued the writers at Security.org. "This information is collected with a user's permission. In the past, Snapchat has noted that it uses location data to provide users with Geofilters. However, others on the app may view your location via Snap Maps if you're not careful."
2. Facebook
Facebook is sort of like the 'blueprint' for social media apps, as it's been around for a long time now and is still used by thousands of people for updating their loved ones on their social lives, purchasing things through Marketplace, chatting with 'friends' on Messenger, and more. However, as Facebook and Meta have evolved, so have the data, privacy, and safety risks.
Like Snapchat, Facebook comes with its fair share of safety risks that can damage people emotionally, financially, and more, with people using fake accounts and other issues. There's also more going on with your data behind the scenes that tech experts have been warning people about for years now, and it's gotten even more intense with the incorporation of AI.
"Since Facebook is a purely social app, they know a ton about their users personally, from the people they interact with to the groups they're in, and even their 'private' messages," wrote home and digital security expert Matthew Adkins for Security.org. "Facebook knows exactly when users log on, for how long they're logged in, and what comments, shares, and transactions they've made in that time."
"Facebook is a wealth of personal information, most of which users enter themselves," he continued. "The company keeps users' names, phone numbers, payment information, email addresses, contact information from devices, as well as their stored videos and photos. Plus, they'll keep the metadata of users' photos and files."
