How many days could you go without checking social media? Maybe two, tops? It seems we live in a world where social media runs our lives. We check Instagram while walking to class, take Facebook breaks during study sessions and tweet while out to dinner with friends. But how much do we think about what we write? What we share? What we post? Because as you and I both know, it’s not always pretty.
Let’s be honest–we’ve probably all posted something we shouldn’t have on social media. And we’ve regretted it. Since sharing our entire lives on the web seems to be so commonplace to our generation, I’m going to dissect that habit and see what’s inside.
First, let’s talk about the dangers of social media. (And there are plenty.)
1. Screenshots
We all know what these are. Snap a pic of your screen and you can have it forever. Or another way to look at it is that other people can save your posts forever. The other day I was scrolling through Twitter and I saw one of my Instagram pictures being featured in a random organization’s tweet. I had no idea that something I’d posted on Instagram would end up on a different media platform and in the hands of someone I have never met. Scary? Definitely.
2. Un-impress Employers
Probably the most important person to think about when posting to social media is your future employer. Picture him or her—powerful, professional, maybe sporting glasses or a polished mustache. Now picture them looking at what you posted yesterday, or last week or last year. Would they hire you? I’m not talking about goofy photos with your friends. Those won’t get your résumé thrown into the trash, but posts featuring alcohol, drugs, nudity or other illegal activities will seriously hurt your chances of an employer taking you seriously.
3. You can Never Un-Post
One of the most dangerous things about the internet is that it’s forever. A mean comment, a racy photo, an embarrassing video or an inappropriate status—you’re never getting them back. They’ll be floating around in the cyber-universe until you’re bouncing your grandchildren on your knees. So think twice before you send something into the blackhole, because you’re never getting it back.
4. Wreck a Good Reputation
Let’s face it, our generation judges people based on their social media presence. Post too much and you’ll be labeled annoying, post too little and you’ll be labeled mysterious. But these aren’t the labels we need to worry about. How about being labeled as mean? Or being labeled a bully? The way we talk on social media reflects on us, even when we don’t realize it.
5. Breaking Codes of Conduct
You may know that Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all have their own codes of conduct. They’ll tell you what you can post, what you can’t and everything in between. What you might not know is that Winona State has it’s own code of conduct regarding how students use the internet. So as much as you want to post that racy meme, is it really worth the embarrassment of being reported to the university and possibly getting suspended or expelled? Whether you realize it or not, there are consequences for breaking the rules.
So, there is a little more to social media than you thought, huh?
