Every move and action we take online, every single click, search, and share is detected and stored as data, which is used to build a profile about us and every member of society.
All this information is compiled into something called a digital footprint. As more and more people become aware of this, online privacy is seen as a necessity.
But what can we do to ensure our data remains protected while we browse the internet? Keep reading our article to find out more about anonymous social media browsing.
Who Collects Your Digital Footprint?
Social media platforms make money from the details users give them. But who is the owner of the data you provide – you, or the company that do the tracking?
This raises questions about:
- Consent: Many people don’t understand what they agree to when accepting the terms and conditions offered by social media.
- Monetisation: Platforms sell user data to advertisers and profit billions of dollars without properly informing users.
- The right to manage your data: Should people be able to erase their digital footprints?
Understanding the Need for Online Privacy
Social media is designed to keep us hooked. Based on every like, follow, share, and comment, the data being collected creates detailed user profiles that the platforms use for specific, targeted advertising.
While some people don’t have an issue with personalised ads, many are becoming very uncomfortable with how accurate these recommended ads and content, in general, are.
Every click, every share, and every transaction we make online leaves a digital footprint vulnerable to prying eyes and malicious intents.
While this may seem innocent at first, the consequences of neglecting online privacy can be severe, ranging from identity theft and financial fraud to reputational damage and personal intrusion.
It isn’t just about being paranoid and hiding things – it’s about having control over our own life. People want to decide when and what they share and with whom.
The thought of not having control over this is very discomforting to people. That aside, here are five reasons to remain anonymous online:
- Avoid Tracking and Data Collection
Did you know that social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram collect lots of data from you?
Even if you’re not directly engaging and just scrolling, the algorithms are still learning about your interests.
They can also very accurately pinpoint your location and nationality based on the content you engage with. Anonymous browsing prevents social media platforms from building a comprehensive profile on you.
- Stop Personalised Ads
After having searched for a specific product, you’ve likely noticed that you’d start getting ads for that product everywhere.
That’s because platforms track your online activity. This is intrusive to many people, and they prefer to browse without being bombarded by ads.
- Freedom of Expression
Everyone wants to be free to express their opinions online without repercussions and discuss politics and controversial topics without judgment.
Anonymity through private browsing allows you to share your thoughts without fear.
- Avoid Being Manipulated by the Algorithm
Social media usually shows you content that aligns with your views. This can limit your exposure to diverse perspectives about things.
Anonymous browsing disrupts this cycle and offers a more neutral and versatile browsing experience.
- Concerns for Cybersecurity
Scam attacks and hacking attempts are becoming more frequent and sophisticated than ever before.
If hackers access your social media data, they can exploit it in a way that is harmful to you – both online and offline – so by browsing anonymously, you reduce the risk of falling prey to these malicious actors.
How to Anonymously Browse Social Media
Here are some measures to take if you want to keep your social media activity private:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN like Surfshark hides your IP address, making it hard for social media platforms to track your activity and location.
- Switch to private browsing: Incognito mode doesn’t permit your browser to save history and cookies. However, it doesn’t make you fully invisible.
- Limit app permissions: Check your app permissions and turn off access to your location, microphone, and phone contacts if you don’t need them.
- Avoid logging in: Try browsing while you’re signed out of your accounts to prevent your activity from being linked to your profile.
- Disable cookies: Third-party cookies are used to track your activity across different websites. Turn them off to limit being tracked.
What is the Future of Online Privacy?
More and more people demand control over their data, so hopefully, soon, we can expect social media platforms to implement stronger privacy features.
However, until those regulations are set, we have to take matters into our own hands. So – be smart and prioritise privacy to prevent being tracked, secure your data and browse without being constantly disrupted.
