Social Media Effects

As we approach the end of high school and near the start of college, it's a good idea to start thinking about your social media presence online. As much as we think accounts are private, it's on the internet so obviously it's out there for people to see.

As far as colleges looking up students, I have mixed feeling toward the subject. I know colleges are just trying to filter out people who might not be favored at their college, but it also leaves a lot of room for error. There are too many people in this world, the chances of mixing someone up online with a different person is extremely likely. I know two different people with the same name just in Johnson County. The content that people post online sometimes might be altered from what they really mean. I know there's a whole "don't say it if you don't mean it" aspect but that's not really true in real life either.

But at the same time you should filter what you post online. Negative pictures of yourself can portray a negative image even if you aren't like that in real life. Cussing online or crude comments can also effect your persona. Sure, most of the people who "follow" or are "friends" with you online actually know you and know how you are in person, but every once in a while, one of your "followers" is a faceless person whom you don't know. This person can develop false pretenses about you and or spread them to others who don't know you, just your name. This is how bad reputations are built too. It really bothers me when people post pictures of them doing illegal things as well. 1) It's illegal. 2) This is just you begging to not be accepted into a school or hired at a job.

When it comes down too it, use your common sense. If you can't do that, think of it this way: would you want your parents to see it? If the answer is no, then you probably shouldn't post it. Be careful because these posts could ruin your life if you let them.