How to Limit Who Can See Your Facebook Posts: A Guide for Seniors

Okay, so you’re on Facebook, sharing photos of your latest gardening triumphs and your cat’s epic nap positions. But suddenly, you remember that your third cousin twice removed, who always comments with unsolicited medical advice, can see everything you post.

Or maybe you’d rather not have the whole world see that you’re attending a “Cooking for Dummies” class.

Fear not! Facebook has a nifty feature to limit who can see your posts, sparing you from those awkward comments and preserving a bit of your privacy.

Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps, explained in a way that even your cat could understand (if cats cared about privacy).

Step-by-Step Guide to Limiting Your Facebook Audience

1. Open Facebook:

• Grab your device of choice (phone, tablet, computer, or a fancy smart fridge if you have one).
• Go to Facebook and log in.

2. Head to Your Settings:

• On the top right corner of your Facebook homepage, you’ll see a little downward arrow next to your profile photo (it looks like it’s pointing to the center of the Earth). Click on it.
• A menu will drop down faster than your grandkid’s jaw when they see your tech skills. Click on “Settings & privacy” and then “Settings.”

3. Privacy Settings and Tools:

• On the left-hand side, you’ll see a menu. Find and click on “Privacy checkup.” It should be right under “Tools and resources.”

4. Limit the Audience for Future Posts:

• Look for the block titled “Who can see what you share.” Click on it.

• The first screen you see lets you control who sees your Profile information. We’re going to skip that one for now, so just click the Next button.

• On the next screen, you’ll find a section “Future posts.” To edit, click on the grey icon on the right.

• That will bring up the “Who can see your post?” window. Here’s where you wield your awesome power. Simply select who you want to see your posts. Your options are:
  • Public (everyone and their pet goldfish can see your post)
  • Friends (well, the people you’re connected to on Facebook… friends or not)
  • Friends except… (here’s where you can specifically block that third cousin twice removed)
  • Specific friends (choose a select group to share stuff with)
  • Only me (which is like talking to yourself online)
  • Custom (if you want to get really fancy)

• Once you select your option, click Done
• You’ll have a few more screens to click through. Once you get to the “You’re all set” screen, you’re done!

5. Limiting Past Posts:

• Remember that embarrassing post from 2012 where you thought Gangnam Style was the pinnacle of human achievement? Time to fix that.
• If you follow the same steps as above, in the “Posts and Stories” window, a little below “Future posts” you’ll see “Limit past posts.”

• Click on the grey “Limit” button to the right and a pop-up window will appear, warning you that this action is irreversible. (Ooh, spooky!)
• Click “Limit” again to confirm. Your public and friends-of-friends posts will now be seen only by your friends.

Here’s a video on how to do this on your smartphone:

Why Use This Feature?

Limiting your audience on Facebook is like putting up curtains in your home. You don’t want everyone peeking in all the time. Here are a few reasons why this is a good idea:

• Privacy: Keep your personal life personal. Not everyone needs to know about your latest doctor visit or your vacation plans.
• Safety: Protect yourself from potential scammers who might use your information against you.
• Peace of Mind: Avoid unsolicited advice or comments from distant acquaintances or strangers.

Any Downsides?

Of course, there are a few minor downsides to consider:

• Limited Reach: If you’re promoting a cause or a business, limiting your audience can reduce your post’s visibility.
• Extra Steps: It’s one more thing to remember to do, but think of it as adding an extra lock to your front door. It’s worth it for the added security.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’ve now mastered the art of controlling who can see your Facebook posts. You’re practically a tech wizard.

So go forth, share your cat photos and garden updates with confidence, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your privacy is protected.

Just remember, if all else fails, your grandkids are only a phone call away and always willing to help (usually in exchange for cookies).