Aussies falling into the holiday snap trap


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There is a reason why it’s called the silly season. An alarming number of Australians admit to taking risks for the sake of a festive social media post.

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Aussies falling into the holiday snap trap

The silly season is now in full swing and Australians a going to great lengths to spread the cheer after a challenging year. New research from Suncorp Group’s insurance brand AAMI, shows one in three Aussies admit they have engaged in potentially risky behaviours in a bid to ‘get the shot’ for their social media feeds. By showing off online, we’ve been putting our homes in danger, with fires and break-ins peaking in December.

  • 16 per cent of Aussies admit they’ve only done things like cooking or decorating to be able to post it on social media.
  • 17 per cent admit to giving their festive activities ‘a bit extra’ to get a better post.
  • 12 per cent of Aussies have posted details about an upcoming holiday on social media.
  • 29 per cent have shared photos or status updates on social media while on holidays. 

It lets would-be thieves know you’re not at home and it may identify where entry points are.

Cath Stewart, AAMI Head of Home Claims

AAMI’s Head of Home Claims, Cath Stewart, warned these seemingly innocent activities, could be putting your property at risk. “After the year we’ve all had, it is understandable people are keen to embrace the festive season even more this year,” she said. “You might not necessarily think about it – but those Christmas lights you’ve had for the past five years could be a fire hazard.” Cath Stewart said even an innocent family photo with Christmas presents one week, and an exotic holiday snap the next, could cost you a lot more than you bargained for. “It lets would-be thieves know you’re not at home and it may identify where entry points are.”

#Protect your privacy


facebook

One in three Australians do not believe would-be thieves stalk social media for their next target.

instagram

23 per cent are unsure whether their posts are public or private.

twitter

27 per cent of Aussies do not know who some of their followers or friends on social media are.

youtube

19 per cent have never checked their privacy settings.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. There are plenty of other ways to share the festive frivolity. Senior Social Creative at advertising agency Ogilvy, Julia Stretch, said some simple changes would help keep your property and the all-important Christmas presents safe. “Not tagging your location, avoiding posting details of your travel, using ‘close friends’ story features and keeping your profile private are good precautions to take.”

AAMI is urging customers to play it safe behind the camera these holidays. Our tips for a picture-perfect Christmas include;

  • Ensure any lights and decorations are in good working order and installed correctly - when heading to bed or leaving the house, turn them off. 
  • Avoid distractions when cooking, never leave the stove unattended and cook within your skill level.
  • Don’t post your holiday photos to social media until you’re back home.
  • Think before you post – and check your privacy settings.

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