What are the risks of using Pinterest?

Answered by Robert Dupre

There are several risks associated with using Pinterest, and it’s important to be aware of them to protect your security and privacy. One significant risk is the potential for collaborator hijacking, where a shared or collaborated board starts displaying pins that are undesirable or offensive to you.

Collaborator hijacking occurs when someone with access to the board, whether it’s a collaborator or someone who gains unauthorized access, starts pinning content that goes against your preferences or values. This could include adult content, explicit images, offensive material, or anything else that you find distasteful.

The consequences of collaborator hijacking can be quite severe. It can damage your reputation, especially if the board is public or shared with others. If you’re using Pinterest for professional purposes, such as promoting your business or brand, having inappropriate content on your board can harm your image and credibility.

Moreover, collaborator hijacking can also affect your personal well-being and emotional state. Constantly being exposed to pins that go against your values or offend you can be distressing and unsettling. It can disrupt your experience on Pinterest, making it a less enjoyable platform for you to use.

To mitigate the risk of collaborator hijacking on Pinterest, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, be cautious about who you invite as collaborators on your boards. Only grant access to people you trust and know well. Additionally, regularly review the pins on your shared boards to ensure they align with your preferences. If you notice any inappropriate content, remove it immediately and consider revoking access to the collaborator responsible.

It’s also a good practice to periodically check your privacy and security settings on Pinterest. Make sure you understand who can view and interact with your boards, and adjust the settings accordingly. Consider keeping your most personal or sensitive boards private, limiting access only to trusted individuals.

If you do encounter collaborator hijacking or find yourself in a situation where pins on your board are offensive or inappropriate, don’t hesitate to report the issue to Pinterest. They have mechanisms in place to handle such situations and can assist you in resolving the problem.

Collaborator hijacking is a significant risk when using Pinterest. It can result in exposure to undesirable and offensive content on your boards, which can have negative consequences for your reputation and personal well-being. By being cautious about who you collaborate with, regularly reviewing and managing your boards, and utilizing the privacy and security settings provided by Pinterest, you can minimize the risk of collaborator hijacking and ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on the platform.