Social media: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; and so many more websites lure you into providing copious amounts of personal information. It's not just social media, but even blogs like this one you are reading provide information about the author. From what I write, others are able to gather information as to who I am, and what my views are on certain subjects. This can work to both your advantage and your disadvantage. By making a strong base with nothing to shy away from, social media can be your way to fortune-gaining jobs and opportunities to meet new people and gaining connections. However, it is easy to do the exact opposite. Posting pictures of yourself from a party, or updating your status with an obvious blackmail directed to a company can damage your reputation completely. Just one small mishap, one mishap that cannot be erased for the rest of eternity, can snap the bridge between you, and your next opportunity.
Does it concern me? Of course it does. I'm sure that no one can be absolutely certain that the information posted on their social media profiles cannot offend someone, or be put to use against you. The possibility of people finding you through a simple Google search and uncovering so much more about you that is needed to know concerns the living death of me. Is there something that others should not see? Is this decent for my boss to see, or someone I respect? It is so easy to uncover and "stalk" someone using a simple Google search. For example on Facebook, just looking at previous status updates or pictures tagged of you can show the side of you not seen at school or work. That devious side, or perhaps, a modest side, that some do not know about. This can work to your advantage, but also to your disadvantage.
The idea that others can find out about me through text or graphics causes me to think before I post. Before posting, you must consider the audience that would see what you will post. Is this appropriate?
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