Know someone using all the dating apps, but they never seem to go on dates? They might be committing these online dating faux pas.
These apps are the biggest oversharers on your phone
I talk a lot about how most apps default to automatically sharing your data with advertisers and marketing companies. But some apps share your personal info with other people by default.
Yeah, no, thank you. Let’s end this today. Here are the most common app oversharers on your phone and how to get them to stop.
Google Maps and reviews
By default, any reviews you’ve left on Google — even just to give a restaurant five stars — are public and attached to your profile. When someone clicks on any of your reviews, they’ll be able to see all the other ones you’ve left. That’s basically a public record of where you’ve been (and when you hated the curry). No bueno.
Here’s how to turn off this sharing:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Click your profile picture in the top right.
- Scroll to Settings and click Personal content.
- Under Profile Settings, slide the toggle off next to Show your posts on your profile.
You have an Amazon public profile
Did you know if you have an Amazon account, you have a public profile, too? Most people don’t have a clue this exists. Adding reviews to Amazon helps other shoppers, sure, but every review you’ve written is attached to your public profile.
The easiest fix? Hide your public profile (which, by the way, also shows your wish lists to the world).
- Log in to your Amazon account, hover over Account & Lists, and click on Account.
- Scroll to Ordering and Shopping Preferences and click Your Amazon profile.
- Click the link in the box that says Edit your profile. Click the Edit profile public visibility tab to continue.
- Click Hide all activity on your public profile.
Forums and comments
Most people who post in forums like Reddit or the comment section of websites use their usernames for privacy, not their real names — but usernames aren’t as private as you might think.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
How to import all your photos and videos from Facebook
The more social media accounts you have, the more data companies collect on you. There’s an easy way to clean up your old posts from Twitter, Facebook, Imgur and more. Tap or click here for a tool that can automatically remove posts from over 20 sites and apps.
Stop the binge: Streaming apps usually queue up the next episode of a show automatically, but most have a setting to stop this. On Netflix, click your account picture (top right), then Manage Profiles and your profile to find the option.
Google’s deleting inactive Gmail accounts
Don’t let your digital life vanish! Many tech companies are deleting profiles, and you could lose everything. Here’s why.
Honesty is the best, honestly: Some unemployed Gen Zers are putting a #Desperate banner on their LinkedIn profiles. They’re applying for jobs, barely getting responses, and they figure there’s no harm in being totally transparent. Remember: “He who mentions price first loses.”
It’s not you. How to get Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant to understand you better
Voice assistants changed the way we interact with technology. Why set an alarm manually when Alexa can do it for you? Siri can type up your emails.
Want to get more out of your Amazon Echo? Tap or click here for new tricks such as using your Echo as a speakerphone to finding the right wine to pair with a particular dish. What about Siri? Tap or click here for my favorite Siri shortcuts.
Have this phone? Running your battery to zero could disable a feature you use most
Mobile phones are our lifeline to the outside world and loved ones. With many things dependent on them, most of us can’t afford the struggles when the battery dies. But when it does happen, a quick recharge will have you texting in no time.
How to use AI to spot a bad date
Eighty percent of singles lie on their dating profiles. Looking for your soulmate online? AI can help you spot the difference between a catfish and the ultimate catch.
Google TV just made it easy to find exactly what you want to watch
When Netflix started its live streaming service, it was revolutionary. Gone were the days of Blockbuster and getting DVDs in the mail. Now everything was at your fingertips. Tap or click here for seven Netflix hacks you’ll use all the time.
Stream like a pro: 7 Netflix hacks you'll use all the time
No doubt since the coronavirus pandemic hit, you’ve spent more time than you’d care to admit watching Netflix. The streaming service has great hits like “Stranger Things,” “Ozark,” and “The Crown.” Before you sign up for another service, tap or click here for 15 streaming sites that offer free trials.