Social media risks

Whenever you do not pay for a service, YOU are the product

For example, facebook and google.

In return for the free service (and advertising at you) they want to know all about you and sell that information (or use it for best advertising targeting.)

They do this by:

Aggregating data - if you ever use an email or phone number on a social media profile, even if you delete it, it is associated to that forever. If you want your alter ego safe never connect your alter ego phone or email or name to a social media profile that also has real data (or HAD real data)

GPS location - ever wonder how they suggest people as people you might know? one element is common GPS location! turn OFF GPS when you don't need it.

Listening to you - yes they use your microphone to listen for key terms, or just for activation terms (like OK Google, or Alexa). Do not install apps if you don't need them. Turn off the phone when you don't need it.

Checking settings - most sites have lots of privacy and security settings. If you wish to stay little known, keep them locked down as much as possible! These settings change frequently so set reminders to check back every so often and make sure no information is leaking. (For example, Google may leak data about you into a google plus profile by default and so anyone who plugs in your phone number could get the name associated with your account and perhaps email!)