Facebook is everywhere.
Approximately 74 percent of internet users or 1.8 billion people in the world are active Facebook users. That is 26 percent of the global population. Facebook is the world's longest technological common thread. It's a great tool for making friends, meeting people, keeping up with current events and trends, and of course, networking. Which is why it's so important to be careful with what you post and what you keep to yourself, because you never know who could see your content. The information you post is public and it could drastically affect your future.
Employers, coaches, and even college admissions officers admit to looking at social media profiles when considering candidates. Think about three things before you post.
Keep it covered and classy.
Keep your private parts PRIVATE. This should be common sense, yet many people who hope to have careers and aspirations for the future forget this rule before posting racy pictures of themselves or others. This applies to both men and women. Halloween is the time of the year girls seem to show the most skin. Sexy costumes can be cute, but commit the night to memory or private pictures. Keeping a "modest" profile reflects how you are as an individual. Leaving more to the imagination in real life is the same as the internet: it's attractive to the right people. A rule of thumb by Rory Gilmore from "Gilmore Girls:"
"Take out everything you'd be embarrassed to be wearing during a car accident."
Keep it legal.
This seems like it should be self-explanatory, but I can't count on two hands the amount of times I have seen people post pictures of themselves smoking weed or committing vandalism. Underage drinking is illegal in EVERY STATE. Weed is still illegal in 48 states for recreational use. College admissions officers DO look at social media profiles. Making posts restricted to 'friends only' isn't going to make a difference. Do not post illegal activity (or commit it).
Keep profanity out of your posting.
Cursing in Facebook posts is far from professional. Employers, college admissions officers, and future colleagues take notice. The way you speak on Facebook is the way others will think that you speak in real life.
Keep your personal information personal.
Having an email account listed on your profile is acceptable for listing contact info, but do not list your phone number or home address. Email addresses can filter spam and harassment but not all phones have that capability.
Privacy settings exist, true. But privacy settings are not sure-fire in securing your profile and keeping skeletons in the closet. Facebook can be a beautiful place to share what you think with people and find communities to be a part of. Remember those simple rules and take full advantage of the beautiful world of social networking.
