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My Data Manipulated on Instagram

My 7th Grade Testimony…

When I was in 7th grade, I had just downloaded Instagram for the first time. I created an account, added friends, and even created my first post. Instagram was quickly becoming one of my favorite apps. This was until I got a message from one of my friends telling me someone had been stealing and altering my posted pictures. They attached a link telling me to click it and login into Instagram to see what was happening. Foolishly, I listened and logged in on the attached website. There were no pictures of mine on the website and it kicked me out. I thought nothing of it and assumed my friend was mistaken. I had forgotten all about it until two weeks later when I got notifications from my friends. Somehow, in the middle of the night I had texted all of them on instagram telling them their pictures were altered and stolen. The same message I had gotten weeks before. I realized I had given my data to some bad people. I immediately told them that it was not me who sent that message and I posted on my story to spread awareness. For many it was too late and they fell for the same trap I did. Continuing the cycle. I assume our passwords and data were sold off to make those pirates money. However, I learned my lesson at a young age to never give out my data or click links that I don’t recognize. This is a universal lesson that everyone should keep in mind when on social media. Let me know below if you have had a similar experience!