Share

Here's how to go Ninja mode on social networks

Johannesburg - Before the birth of the internet and social media, how did one stalk an ex or potential love interest? 

Inconspicuously follow them home, hide behind a trash can, set your phone to “private number” or make use of Telkom’s ‘free 7pm to 7am calls and just breathe heavily without saying a word. 

Technology has made the job of stalker easier than ever – offering a new world of insight and activity of the stalkee. 

With all social networks allowing for the posting of videos and images, what one shares is available to all, even people they may not intend to share the content with. 

But what tools do stalkers have at their disposal? And how can they optimise each to reach the end goal of being able to discreetly learn more about someone incognito? But most importantly, what is the best way to protect yourself?

Here’s how to go Ninja Mode on social networks:

Facebook 

The biggest social network in the world can of course be seen as the primary tool of any stalker. Unfortunately for them, Facebook has a host of privacy settings which allow viewing each type of post from a user and setting as to who is allowed to view it. 

Default settings for most new accounts include that only a profile image of a user can be viewed. 

Featured photos and cover photos are also available for viewing by non-friends. Meanwhile mutual friends, all friends, other photos including mobile uploads and timeline photos, and posts by users can either be viewed or not viewed depending on users’ privacy settings.

If a stalker likes a post from a user who is a non-friend, Facebook will provide a notification and blow the stalker's cover. Some privacy settings on Facebook do not allow for the liking of posts by non-friends. 

As a Facebook user the best way for one to not have their personal life displayed to the public is by accessing the “Privacy Settings and Tools” within the general settings menu. 

Here users are able to customise, “Who can see my stuff?”; “Who can see your future posts?” “Review all your posts and things you're tagged in”; “Who can contact me?”; “Who can send you friend requests?” and “Who can look me up?”

It goes without saying that if you wouldn’t want your boss to see the embarrassing photos from last weekend, avoid posting them. These types of images are also more ammunition for a stalker’s arsenal.

Instagram

This social network allows for a lot less privacy, provided an account is not locked. But if granted access by your stalkee – welcome to Stalker Mecca. 

Instagram is a less volatile social network than Facebook and it is socially acceptable for users to like all others’ posts. 

The best option is to have the Instagram profile locked, only allowing approved users to view photos.

Twitter

Being a microblog, Twitter doesn’t offer much privacy to any user aside from being able to keep tweets private. 

The function can be activated under the “Security and privacy” within “Settings” and checking the “Protect my Tweets” box, which will then only allow those you approved to receive your Tweets.

Popular social networks offer various privacy options to keep users safe. Privacy options are generally available in the settings menu of an app or online profile.

It is best for users to option check privacy settings of their account as social network often update privacy and security options, allowing users to be safe on social media. 

Read Fin24's top stories trending on Twitter:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.92
+0.1%
Rand - Pound
23.88
+0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.38
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.32
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.1%
Platinum
908.05
+1.2%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders