Most social media platforms automatically create a personal profile when you register. This page displays your private information and activities (such as comments, likes, favorites, etc.). Anyone visiting your profile may be able to view everything you have done since the beginning of your registration. Most of these platforms provide various levels of privacy settings that you can apply to your profile as a whole or to each activity individually. Therefore, you should pay close attention to all your actions on these platforms, for everything is recorded against you or for you. If you cannot fully trust yourself or recall past actions—such as liking or commenting on something inappropriate long ago—it may be difficult to remove them later. In that case, it is best to select the highest privacy settings and hide all your past activities, so that others do not see and misuse them. Sadly, this happens frequently in our societies.
Caution is also needed regarding liking or engaging with corrupt or inappropriate posts. Most platforms use algorithms that promote posts with more likes, making them visible to others—even those not connected to you. A single like can make a difference, so never take this lightly. Furthermore, friendships and the people you follow often appear to others who visit your profile or are suggested to your friends and followers. Be cautious about whom you follow, especially if their posts are problematic, so that others are not drawn to follow them because of you. Since no one knows when another person might post something harmful or change their behavior, it is better to hide your friends or followings to avoid suspicion. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Indeed, what is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, and between them are matters that are doubtful which many people do not know. Whoever avoids the doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and honor. But whoever falls into doubtful matters falls into the unlawful...” (Bukhari, Muslim).
Hadith The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Indeed, what is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, and between them are matters that are doubtful which many people do not know. Whoever avoids the doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and honor. But whoever falls into doubtful matters falls into the unlawful...” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)