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Okay, okay, I admit it: I was wrong.

I have tried for many months, if not a year, to stay out of the Tweeting, Linkdin-ing, MySpace-ing, Never-ending-social media circle. So many of my friends and colleagues have told me that it is “the future of life and journalism,” but, honestly, I saw it as a complete portal to my personal identity.  I’ve heard all the positive comments and I still thought it would be too risky. Honestly, how much do people really want/need to know?

Then I attended a formal social media training course this week. While I may have known the basics, I certainly didn’t know how far-reaching this technology had become or the many ways you can protect yourself. Granted, some of my security concerns are still at the forefront of my mind and I do have to be careful about what I Tweet and post, but, having given it all a few days to sink in, this technology is truly amazing.

Example: I posted on my Facebook wall that I was on Twitter. Within about an hour, more than a dozen people found me, had brief conversations with me and taught me something I didn’t know about the service.

I even learned a few great tips to keep myself safe while using the sites.  First, make sure you use a password for these sites that you don’t use for anything personal. Keep your Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and other social passwords separate from your personal computer passwords, banking passwords or security codes. Second, if you use these social sites as applications or through your cell phone internet connection, make sure you don’t have any personal data on that cell phone too. Specifically, don’t have social apps and a banking app; smart computer hackers may be able to get into your phone and access your accounts. Same goes for your personal computer, make sure you don’t save your bank account number or passwords in an unsecure location if you’re going to be using social media and banking. Always better to be safe than sorry!

I guess I’m not too old to learn something new.

What about you? Have you tried Twitter? Are you following me or one of my WTVY comrades? What do you think about social media?

Post your comments below, or Tweet me @SkylarZwick