Restricting access to one’s Facebook presence involves altering privacy settings to limit the visibility of profile information to only confirmed friends. This action changes who can see posts, photos, “About” sections, and other content shared on the platform. For example, a user might initially have a public profile accessible to anyone but later implement stricter controls to ensure only approved contacts can view their personal details.
The act of curtailing public access to a Facebook profile offers several advantages. It enhances personal security by minimizing the risk of data scraping and identity theft. This action allows individuals to control their online narrative and prevent unwanted attention from strangers or potential employers. Furthermore, it mitigates potential negative impacts of unintended audience reach, which is particularly relevant for individuals who wish to separate their personal and professional lives. Historically, the increasing awareness of data privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information on social media have driven users to adopt such measures.