Safety when using social media

Social media web sites are among the most used web sites in the world. These sites at least contain your personal data and at worst contain links from other users or advertisers that contain content that can be harmful to your computer or put your data at risk. This may be intentional or done inadvertently.. but it is there. I personally do not go beyond reading posts, posting comments or viewing pictures. Be wary of viewing videos that do not play because "they need you to install something to play". My real friends know my real email address. I stay away from communicating through social media.. it's just safer.