We’ve all heard the saying, “Be careful what you post. You don’t know who can see it.” But now that we’ve entered college, we need to start thinking about this more seriously. We are no longer just kids, but instead we are prospective hires training to enter the job market. As students, we need to be conscious about what we post, as future employers could scroll back through one day, and maybe not be as impressed with your smoke-circle abilities as you were at 19. Here are some suggestions on what not to do on social media.
1.) Rely on privacy settings.
Okay, so you are trying to smarten up a little, and you put your Instagram to private. That way your professors or future employer won’t be able to see anything, right? Wrong. I don’t know about you guys, but when I need to do some social media stalking and someone is private, I merely find a friend who follows that person, and scroll through their phone. I’ve also seen posts be screenshotted, and then reposted on a non-private account. Privacy settings are a great idea, but you still shouldn’t be posting anything you don’t want people to see.
2.) Illegal Activities
This seems like common sense, but it happens all too often. Just because we are young does not mean we are invincible. I promise your professor or future employer is not going to be impressed with a picture of 19 year old you doing a keg-stand, even if you made a new record.
3.) Fighting/Bullying/Threatening/Harassing
Online fights show immaturity and unprofessionalism. If you have a problem with someone, go speak to them in person. Or private message them if you really feel the need to say something. No one needs to see you and your ex arguing in the comments of a Facebook post. Speaking of private messaging – don’t constantly message someone who has no interest in you. This is harassment, and can lead to legal repercussions if serious. Also, do not threaten or bully people on social media. This does nothing but make you look like a violent person, not like someone who would do well in a professional setting.
4.) Forget to Proofread
Typos happen, but if your social media makes you look illiterate, your English professor will probably cry, and a future employer will toss your application in the trash.
5.) Trash Teachers or Coworkers
Okay, your professor kept you late, or your boss yelled at you for something you didn’t do. Of course you’re upset, but don’t go vent on social media. If an employer at your dream job sees this, what’s stopping them from thinking you will do the same about them? No company wants bad press, or an unpredictable employee.
6.) Political Views
I’ll admit it, I am guilty of this one. I can’t help but retweet politicians’ tweets that I agree with, or reblog all the posts making fun of Donald Trump on Tumblr. However, this is really not a good idea. Politics are controversial, and no company wants to bring more controversy upon themselves. If anything, stick to liking or favoriting posts. That way you can show your support or disgust in a less public way than sharing things to your page.
7.) Share Extremely Personal or Emotional information
Yes, social media is for sharing. But sometimes, things are better off private. If you feel the need to post every detail of your current break up or your aunt and uncle’s messy divorce, a future employer might assume you will feel the same need to share company secrets. If you want to keep your close friends updated on your personal life, send them a text. Or even call them! (Crazy, I know.)