Pick strong passwords

Use a different password for every social media account. Consider using two-factor or multi-factor authentication if offered.

USE PRIVACY SETTINGS

Look for the security or privacy settings in the social media app or on the website (see highlight box below). Restrict your entire account to only approved friends or followers. Activate settings that prevent your profile from being publicly searched.

LIMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Information like your birthdate (especially the year), phone number and address do not need to be included on your profile.

MONITOR YOUR LOCATION SETTINGS

Disable location services inside an app or mobile device settings when you do not need to share your location.

ONLY FRIEND OR FOLLOW THOSE YOU KNOW

Don’t accept friend or follow requests from strangers.

MANAGE THIRD-PARTY APPS

If you use your social media account to log in to other sites or allow apps to access your account, regularly review and de-authorize those that no longer need access.

Online harassment has become a common occurrence in the digital lives of many Americans. Harassers, also known as “trolls,” often target a personal or physical characteristic: politics, physical appearance, race, ethnicity or gender. For those who experience online harassment directly, there can be profound effects, ranging from mental or emotional distress to reputational damage or even fear for one’s personal safety.

In addition to creating a negative environment online, harassment can also compromise users’ privacy, force them to choose when and where to participate online and even make them censor what they say. What can be done about it? Below are a few of the most recommended tactics for dealing with trolls:

IGNORE THEM

They want to get a reaction out of you. They want attention. If you refuse to engage with a troll, they may go away.

BLOCK THEM

Use options for blocking and muting obnoxious and harassing people on social media by searching the online help of the service.

REPORT THEM

Find out about the service’s user policies and the best ways to report harassing behavior.

To review and update your privacy and security settings, go directly to the social site to get the latest information: