Don't Feel the Need to Post Everything

Last year on the news, I saw a sad story regarding a college student. A girl went out for a couple of drinks and unfortunately, decided to brag about the experience on Facebook. She posted pictures and a few choice words. Comes to find out: the girl had a job lined up after college. Her employer discovered the postings and decided not to hire her.

Students, be careful when dealing with social media. These days, everything you post can be seen by anyone. Sites like Facebook and Twitter have negatively affected students. Yeah, the students are the blame; but it’s a shame that nothing is a secret.

Partying is a part of college. There’s nothing that can be done about that. But, what happens at parties should stay at parties. Why do students feel the need to tweet that they’re drunk or post pictures of them dancing with a cigar in their hand? It’s embarrassing enough to be seen at a party in those conditions. Allowing the world to see takes it to another level.

Employers have every right to research job candidates. Don’t take it as an invasion of privacy. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you hire someone who’s potentially detrimental? Exactly.

Before posting, think about the professors who respect your work. Think about how your actions will reflect your parents. Most importantly, think about yourself. Imagine how everyone would view you in a different light.

Social media effects go beyond the work force. There are individuals with bad intentions; so be cautious when posting your whereabouts. I don’t understand why people have to tell the world where they’re going and what time they’re doing something. That’s saying: “hey, want to join me?” Unfortunately, people take it this way. This is how social media-related crimes occur.

A lot of the blame can be placed on social media sites. For example, Twitter allows you to tie your location to tweets. Yeah, that’s cool; but you don’t have to use it. People feel the need to take advantage of everything associated with social media. If society stops getting excited over these functions, sites will stop developing applications.

Also, don’t feel the need to post your thoughts. If you’re upset with someone, keep it to yourself. If you have a problem with a professor, don’t tweet about it. I overheard a conversation between a few students last week. One girl, who is a good student, said a professor approached her about her immature tweets. You see? You never know whose watching.

Social media is fun when used for the right purposes. Students must apply common sense when dealing with it. Before posting, they need to ask: will this affect me or anyone else? If every student uses this approach, social media stupidity will decrease. Guaranteed.