How to Be Smart with Social Media

There was an article in my local newspaper recently warning high school students that colleges have hired companies to investigate social media sites for students who post unflattering information about themselves -it even mentioned that students could have scholarships revoked. It turned out to be an April Fool’s Joke but, nevertheless, my high school age students were concerned and rightfully so. Anyone of high school or college age should be worried that others are viewing their profiles. As I’ve written before, if you don’t want others to see what you are writing you shouldn’t write it at all. Jobs are hard to come by and you don't want to jeopardize your future career. In this tech-savvy world, however, many don’t pay attention to what colleges or employers consider inappropriate. So should there by two separate worlds for young adults to reside in? Or do all our worlds blend together when we enter the work force? I believe that depending on your age, your opinion on this topic will vary. Young people tend to believe in freedom of expression and their right to an online profile that expresses one freely is part of being young. But, when being young and free morphs into applying for internships, scholarships, and jobs, where do we draw the line? Is writing about your ‘horrible boss’ appropriate once you’re old enough to have a 9-5? And is it so difficult to give up social media because it’s what links many of us to our youth? I've found numerous articles, including this one, that offer sound advice to follow when updating a social media site. However, my best advice is to use common sense and be reasonable with what you put out to the world. Think about how you want yourself represented to a future school or employer and then proceed. Read more advice at collegejobbankblog.com. Amy M worked in corporate public relations for three years before returning to graduate school to become an English teacher. She is also a freelance writer for CollegeJobBank.Com. Her strengths include: drafting speeches, writing talking points for media interviews, making corporate presentations, and writing for publications. Read more of her blogs at collegejobbankblog.com. Find jobs and other information at Nexxt.