Facebook updates mobile security features

Facebook has been busy updating some of the security tools available to mobile users, adding Mobile Social Reporting and Mobile Password Reset so on-the-go networkers can manage their settings.

Facebook's Social Reporting tool for mobile enables users to resolve issues with posts, profiles or content they see on Facebook.

"For example, if you don’t like a photo of yourself that someone uploaded, you can use social reporting to ask that person to take it down," explained Facebook in an August 8 post on its security page.

Facebook is also rolling out a Mobile Password Reset feature that helps people who get locked out of their accounts while away from a computer.

"You can now choose the email address where you want to receive recovery links," said Facebook, "and we are offering additional ways to confirm your identity."

Both features are undergoing initial testing on m.facebook.com. Support for Mobile Social Reporting will be added to all devices in the following months. Facebook's Mobile Password Reset feature will be rolled out slowly as the company receives feedback from users.

A study conducted by Larry D. Rosen, professor of psychology at California State University, and presented at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association found that "teens who use Facebook more often show more narcissistic tendencies while young adults who have a strong Facebook presence show more signs of other psychological disorders, including antisocial behaviors, mania and aggressive tendencies."

While the study highlighted negative effects of Facebook use, it also found that young adults who spent time on the social network were better at showing "virtual empathy" and benefited introverted adolescents who had trouble socializing in other situations.