Message Board

The title may sound like an old man telling everyone to stay off that Facebook because they steal your information and sell it - and while that may be true, this post isn't about that. As much as I enjoy a man in a nice pair of kicks or boots, the last thing I want is my mother to know about it on Facebook.

Many of us use Instagram for just that, following, liking and posting photos of our collections while embracing the subculture we live in. Problem is, Instagram is Facebook and Facebook is Instagram. The two apps are a little too close, like those third cousins at family gatherings who shouldn't be so extra with each other. A slip of the wrist and your Facebook app is all over your Instagram account sharing with mom, dad, grandma and grandpa, your neighbor down the road, that guy you rarely talk to, and your two cousins everything about your fetish and what it means to be stomped under a real man.

But, there is a way to pry those cousins apart and it's actually through one of Facebook's security functions. For me, I was waiting for when the two apps inadvertently linked and brought two separate lives together that should exist worlds apart. To some, it may be an irrational fear. To others, it may be a nightmare that has come true. Whatever you may feel, it's a nice layer of protection against Facebook's preying eyes with Instagram and other apps, websites, etc that link with the social network.

It's pretty easy to disable and it can be done from your phone, both Android and Apple. In Facebook's app, find your 'settings and privacy' under the three lined button usually positioned at the top right of the screen upon opening the app. Under 'settings and privacy,' select 'settings.' Under the Security header, click on 'apps and websites.' Under Preferences, tap 'apps, websites and games.' At this screen, you have the option to turn off Facebook's interaction with outside applications, websites and games, including Instagram. Keep in mind, this may disable other access you have granted to outside entities. So read the disclaimer about what will happen. With the function turned off, if you accidentally tap link Facebook account in Instagram on your phone, it will lead to a similar screen when you turned this access off. It will instruct you that outside access is off and needs to be turned on, offering another added layer of security.

While it may seem like an extreme effort to keep your life here separate from your loved ones, it only takes a few misplaced clicks to link Facebook and Instagram. Then it becomes a big mess not only deleting the connection but now explaining to grandma why you want a guy to grind his Tns all over your dick. Grandma has been around... but not that around.