Social media is a very important factor of many of our daily lives. It gives us the amazing opportunity to connect with many people and allows us to keep up with trends, friends, news, and sources of inspiration. We have to be cautious of what we are putting online because this media often can't be permanently deleted. Once media is shared, it's quite easy to trace back to you.

So, when considering what to post, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Is this how you want to showcase yourself?

We are all creating a personal brand or image of ourselves when posting online. It's important to realize that your social media accounts share a lot of information about who you are. This isn't a bad thing, however, accounts are checked so often today that it is important that your online media showcases you putting your best foot forward.

2. Is this post a classic or will you later regret it?

Would you be OK with having a teacher, parent, grandparent, child, and friend all see this image? Also, would you be OK with seeing this picture or having it following you for the next ten years? If not, I would be wary of posting. There is no way of making a post 110% private. I'm sure a lot of us have that little privacy box checked but, you have to remember that pictures can be screenshotted, reposted, forwarded, saved, emailed and DMed so easily. If you aren't comfortable with everyone seeing it, I wouldn't risk posting it.

3. Is this post sharing information that is too personal/inappropriate?

Be wary when giving information out that is personal. I would NOT include these things ever in your post or captions:

-Your address

-Your social security number

-Your phone number Say that you are on vacation... You are just asking for a home robbery

-Inappropriate language

-Post pictures of you or friends that are intoxicated

-Party pictures, that contain alcohol... especially if you are a minor

-Pictures with drugs or illegal substances

-Captions that are insulting or would hurt other reputation

-Captions that discuss drama'

-Captions that are have misspelled words or that use slang

-Political issues, that are controversial

Many of these may seem obvious, however, so often I see people making these mistakes. Your future self will thank you later so, just think before you post! So, there it is, three easy tips to think about prior to posting. I guarantee this will only help you to uphold a positive social image.