In today’s day and age technology, particularly social media, has begun to make a big impact on our daily lives. In a recent study, Baylor University concluded that college students spend an average of eight to ten hours on their cell phones each and every day. Those numbers are astounding given that we are supposed to be focusing on our studies and not Twitter or Instagram.
Social media is beginning to impact our everyday lives and most have yet to realize what that really means for our futures. These days social media, and what you post, has become so important that even your future employers are starting to pay attention to it. Another recent study conducted by Jobvite stated that 93 percent of hiring managers will now look at a candidate’s social media profiles before hiring them, and of those 55 percent have reconsidered their decision based on what they found, most of which being for the worse.
“Don’t let someone else create your reputation,” SDSU internship coordinator Nicole Vargas said. “Create your own digital strategy. You have to get online and establish a strong and positive presence.”
Most college students still don’t understand that posting photos of themselves with red cups or, even worse, actual alcohol is going to do nothing but come back to haunt them in the future. So here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to what you should post on social media:
1. Don’t post anything related to alcohol, especially if you aren’t 21. Underage drinking is always frowned upon and no one thinks it’s classy when you have a handle of vodka in your hand.
2. Do post about your achievements. Don’t be afraid to brag a little; it’s always good to show people what you’ve got and what better way to document your accomplishments in life?
3. Don’t let anyone post just anything on your profiles. Make sure to check your privacy settings; you don’t want that photo from last weekend getting out for all of the world to see.
4. Do use your real name. Don’t get too crazy with the usernames; it’s best to let your friends, and potential employers, find you easily.
5. Don’t be inappropriate. Yes, this means cussing too. If you wouldn’t say it to your grandmother, it’s best you don’t post it.
6. Do proofread your posts. Taking a second to read over your post saves you the embarrassment of having someone correct you, or worse, be offended by something you didn’t mean.
7. Don’t post every detail about your life. Keep your personal life to yourself; most aren’t going to care about what you had for dinner last night.
8. Do share posts that catch your interest. It shows what you care about and may benefit someone in the process.
9. Don’t friend just anyone. Just because you want a lot of followers doesn’t mean you have to let just anyone follow you. Do you want just anyone seeing your personal posts?
10. Don’t have private conversations. Just like no one wants to hear about your personal life, other than for the entertainment factor, no one wants to see you fight with someone over social media.
