Newsroom

Spring cleaning your social media accounts

By Beth Ziehmer

March 18, 2021

Spring is known for a good time to do some cleaning, and your social media accounts are no exception.

While social media is a great way to communicate with others, but is also a tool to carefully manage. Regardless if you are a student, seeking employment, or a working professional, you should consider what you post on social media and how your social media communication might affect others, and possibly your future.

Even if you think you have tight security settings on your social networking accounts that only allow your friends to access your pictures, videos, profile, wall, or feeds, or you think you are posting comments anonymously in a comments area, all of these types of activities can still be linked back to you.

Some employers are going beyond online searches using Google and LinkedIn for prospective employees and require potential candidates pass a social media background check. Inappropriate activity can still damage your career and reputation, even if you are already accepted into a program or have a career. Some high-profile individuals have been fired from their jobs due to offensive and inappropriate social media activity.

Another key consideration is that your social media activity may affect whether you are accepted into a college or university program.

Take the time to monitor every online account you have created and close those that you no longer use. Delete all photos or comments that do not portray you in a positive manner. Also, un-tag yourself in any inappropriate photos that friends have posted of you and ask them to delete the photos. Keep in mind that settings can change over time, so review your settings on a regular basis.

You only have one chance to make a first impression. In today's highly competitive society, don't let photos or comments ruin what you have spent a lifetime working to achieve.