Social media is a powerful tool. It is a means of low-cost advertising for businesses, a way to catch up with friends, a means of staying up-to-date on current events. Profiles are used in police investigations, job applications and interviews, even the college application process.

Everyone and their mama, and their mama's mama is on social media now. People often underestimate the outcomes of their posts and profile activity.

Everyone is different, and thoughts on this may vary, but here are a few things to avoid when thinking up your next clever post or tweet.

1. DON'T post about your relationship issues.

Love is amazing, and relationships are great. But they are also difficult. Fights, break-ups, disagreements and annoyances happen sometimes, but it isn't always the best idea to put it on Facebook. When it comes to posting information about relationships, ask yourself if you would be willing to say what you are posting to all 700+ of your friends and followers to their faces. Share pictures of your adventures, brag on your love occasionally, sure. But there is NO reason to post about your arguments or personal issues with your significant other. Talk that out. It's not any of my business.

2. DON'T trash talk your employer/school/friends/anyone really.

If you would like to have a career someday, DO NOT trash talk your current employer on social. It will get you fired faster than it took you to type those 140 characters. I also try to follow a general rule that there is never a reason to trash talk anyone, business, school, politician, etc. on social media. Sometimes football, because go Vols. But that's all.

3. DON'T have a Facebook pity party.

Life is an uphill battle, and it feels good to know that people care for you. However, seeking attention and/or grieving on social media isn't a healthy choice. There are always exceptions, it is OK to seek prayer or seek help. I, personally, am guilty of sharing my "spilled milk," "broken zipper," "flat tire," posts on days when humor is the only thing holding me together. Grieve properly, work through personal issues correctly. I'm a firm believer that everybody needs a good therapist.

4. DON'T overshare your medical/personal issues.

If you or your loved one is fighting a tough medical battle, absolutely reach out. Build an army of prayer warriors. I'm talking what Taco Bell did to your stomach last night. Nah fam.

5. DON'T post your wild party photos and statuses.

PLEASE Y'ALL. Keep your photos PG! Heck, keep them G! If you don't want your grandma, your pastor, your teacher, your future children/spouse to see your assets, keep 'em covered. Don't post about your wild night out, or your drunken Snapchats. The actions you are choosing right now affect the future version of yourself. Don't make future-self hate past-self.

6. DON'T be politically obnoxious.

This is a touchy subject. Politics are extremely important. Being educated and up-to-date on local, national and global issues is vital to building a world that we are proud of. I will occasionally share a fairly unbiased post about a political topic. I will share things for causes that I believe in OCCASIONALLY. But politics shouldn't clog up your timeline. Cool it with the #f***trump posts and the #hillarysucks posts. Keep it appropriate, keep it respectful, or keep it to yourself. Also, be 100 percent certain that your source is valid, and you aren't posting news from alienlove.com or hotnewsmag.com.

7. DON'T carelessly post photos of your children/friends' children etc.

It is tragic that I even have to warn against this. Children are vulnerable and precious and unfortunately targeted by psychos and internet trolls. NEVER post your child's full name, maybe not even their first name. Never post their location, where they go to school, who their friends are, or their after school activities. Never post a photo of them posed in a way that you wouldn't do. (i.e. in a diaper or in the tub). Always ask parents before posting photos of their children on social. People suck. Don't put your babies in danger.

8. DON'T use foul language or post vulgar comments.

This is a pet peeve of mine. I couldn't care less how you talk in private, with your friends, with your family, whoever. But again, if you want a career, watch the language. Don't comment inappropriate things, especially on someone else's timeline. Just because you talk like a sailor, doesn't mean they want it on their posts. Again, pastor, grandma, future employer.

9. DON'T overdo it on the likes + shares, and be cautious of their content.

I can just about promise that you will NOT die in ten days if you don't like and share. I can also almost be sure that Jesus will not turn you away at the gates of heaven if you don't tag ten friends. Also, your friends and followers can see what you like and comment on. So don't "like" compromising/inappropriate photos, etc.

I understand the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and being yourself. However, I also understand the importance of building a respectable personal brand and not getting scolded by your grandma at family dinner.

Now, post cautiously my friends...and remember...