Social networks are becoming a popular pastime for a growing number of adults. In 2009, one third of adult Internet users have a profile on a social networking site, up from 8 percent in 2005, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. According to comScore’s website monitoring, 16.5 million adults over age 55 participate in social networks, with Facebook is the most popular among users.

After almost giving Facebook access to your entire email address book by mistake, Columbus resident Barbara Bergmann has tried to warn others of his age – 50 years – about the risks that may come not only with the creation of a profile a social networking site, but sending emails or searching the Internet. Through his business, Web Wise Baby Boomers and retirees, offering classes in central Ohio for 55-and the largest crowd in everything from how to set up a safe email account how to create a page Facebook.

“Many older people worry about being in the team because we hear about viruses and stuff,” said Bergmann. “But at the same time, many want to be able to configure an email account or a profile on Facebook, so they can interact more with their grandchildren.”
She said the classes focus on how to upload a photo and create a profile – and how to do it safely. His number one rule of thumb? Watch what you write. “Do not put your full date of birth in your profile, and do not put pictures of your grandchildren online without parental permission,” he said. “I’ve heard of royal family disputes was because someone posted photos of the line.”

She also advises people to carefully read the site’s security settings to not be fooled, as nearly level, to agree to something you might regret. When Steve Rechel Newark residents, 58 years, launched its Facebook profile, their motivation was political activism. He hopes to use the site to make connections to raise awareness for the upcoming elections at the same time, he takes care of adjusting your privacy settings so most of your photos, for example, can be viewed by friends and family . “Many people do not bother adjusting your privacy settings,” he said.

Daren Arnold, chief privacy officer for the State of Ohio Security Privacy and Information Center, agreed that it is important that people take the time to look at the security settings of a site. ‘An error (people do) is not changing the privacy setting up the social network, he said. “Suppose the initial configuration of any social networking site set so that the information is available to all on the Internet, including search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing.

“Finding the privacy settings on the site, learn what they do and change those to restrict who can view their information.”
You also agree people have to be careful what they publish. Certain information, such as financial or medical information, could easily lead to identity theft. The same applies to personal information, he said.

“Too many details of his personal history – your complete birth date, all schools attended and record of work – can contribute to someone stealing your identity because it helps them create new accounts,” he said. At the same time, people also have to be careful what you publish about your employer or work. If you work in a health center, for example, think twice before publishing information about their experience with a particular patient. Arnold said that this type of information could have problems with your employer – or could be used against you in the future.

“According to a recent study, most employers have reported that the decision to hire someone based on the results of an Internet search,” he said. “Another example is if you are in dispute, that post on a social networking site may be used against you in court.”
Arnold said many law enforcement officials working with identity theft I think it is significantly under-reported, resulting in a lack of statistics about how easy it is to get burned by what is put out on the Internet. He said that although he can not comment on whether the security settings of a particular site like Facebook and MySpace are effective, said he often is in a business’s best interest to keep their sites safe and secure for your customers to return.

At the same time, he said it is important that people do not think that means they will automatically be protected online. “It’s important that people be aware that computer security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “We all have the responsibility to maintain security software running and updated our computers and be smart about what you are downloading.” Osborn knows that very well, but not from personal experience: I recently was cleaning the computer of a friend and found a link on Facebook that his friend had been clicked and unknowingly, he collected more than 30 viruses. “Never click a link in there,” he said. With these concerns in mind security, a greater number of Facebook users are discovering the benefits of the site generally outweigh the negatives.

Linda Snider, of Etna, began a profile with the help of her daughter-in-law, Kim Snider, after listening to their children and grandchildren talk about Facebook. She has been working to bring together fellow 1970 graduate of Watkins for 40 class reunion in September. Kim also helps you adjust your privacy settings after Linda was surprised to receive messages from people responding to things that had been published without the knowledge of who can see them. “There are things I want the People (that) I choose being with friends to read, but do not want everybody to read them,” said. His advice for fellow boomers? “Do not be afraid to ask for help, and make sure when you ask for help, you’re getting from someone you trust.” U.S. Today contributed to this article.

Markita L. Harper pleaded guilty to January 21 before Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge AJ Wagner. Four other charges, including kidnapping, attempted aggravated sexual imposition and two counts of unlawful restraint, were rejected.

Harper, 20, of Dayton, went to the apartment of the victim to watch movies with her when the assault took place December 11, police said. A friend of the victim showed up at the apartment and shot Harper away from the victim, police said.

Harper has been in jail in Montgomery County since his arrest December 18.