27Sep
We like to think that danger is something that happens in the street, late at night or in a dark parking lot. The truth is that many criminals start their hunt long before you ever see them. Today it often begins on social media.
Danger starts online not on the street
Every picture you post, every status you share and every check in you make tells a story about your life. For most of us it feels harmless. You share that you are at the new restaurant in town, you post a photo from your run or you show everyone that you are away for the weekend. What we forget is that strangers can also see this information. Some of them may not have good intentions.
How your posts tell strangers your story
A criminal can learn your routine just by scrolling through your posts. If you always upload gym selfies at the same time each evening then you are telling them exactly when your home is empty. If you post a photo of your new car or expensive watch you are letting them know what they can gain by targeting you. Even your WhatsApp status can give away where you are and who you are with.
Why private is not always private
The biggest mistake people make is thinking that only friends see their updates. Many profiles are public without the owner realising it. Even when your settings are private there is always someone who can screenshot and share your post with others. Once it is online you have lost control of it.
Simple steps to make yourself less visible
So what can you do to reduce the risk
- Do not share your live location. Post about events and trips only after you are safely back home.
- Think before you brag about expensive things. You may be proud of your new laptop but do you really want strangers to know it is inside your house.
- Keep your profile locked down. Go through your settings and remove people you do not know.
- Be careful with your kids photos. A harmless school uniform picture tells outsiders exactly where your child spends their day.
Self defense begins long before the attack
Self defense does not start when someone grabs you. It starts much earlier with the choices you make about what you show to the world. Criminals use information as a weapon. If you keep that weapon out of their hands you are already one step safer.The bottom line is simple. Social media can be fun and it helps us stay connected. But it is also a place where predators do their homework. Share less, think more and give them nothing to work with. That is real prevention.
About C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense South Africa
C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense South Africa provides the gold standard in reality-based self-defense training, drawing on extensive real-world experience from law enforcement, corrections and protective services. We deliver professional in-person training for corporates, private groups, families and friends, as well as structured online programmes. For enquiries, please contact us via email: info@cobradefense.co.za, or cell: 082 299 9117 or visit our website www.cobradefense.co.za.
When Self-Defense Is a Must, Nothing Else Will Do.
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