I’m not quite sure what it is, but it seems as though lately every time I log on facebook or swipe through twitter I come across something that makes me question…Why? Why was it necessary for you to post that? Growing up, I was involved in programs that simply would not allow half the things my peers were posting, which at the time seemed to be a buzzkill, but now that I’m older I am so grateful that I learned what should and shouldn’t be on social media early on in my [social media] years. Although, I would like to publicly apologize for the time in my life where I thought it was cool to post emotional song lyrics as my Facebook status… I want to say it was a phase, but that simply just does not make it right.
So, in hopes of coming to an understanding of what absolutely under no circumstances should be posted on social media, I have compiled a short list of things I personally think most would agree with me on; the four S’s you need to stop posting…
1. Sip
Underage drinking, okay we all know it happens, but feel free to keep those pictures tucked away. Go out and have a great [but safe] time, but please no one wants to see you with a drink in your hand every picture you post. Honestly, I am just going to rip off the Band-Aid here and say it’s trashy. You’re better than that! Not to mention, if your potential boss happens to come across your Facebook, and by that, I mean low key searches you prior to the interview, I guarantee those pictures won’t scream hire me!
2. Sex
I would think this goes without saying but…here we are! Anything sexual or promiscuous, I’m begging, do not post or repost. Maybe it’s just me, but a large portion of my Facebook friends are family or family friends and the thought of anything sexual coming up on their feed because of me is not only embarrassing but so uncomfortable. Nothing sounds more awful than sitting across the table from someone who saw that you love “when a guy knows how to bite your lip just right.” If you wouldn’t say it to their faces…don’t post it on Facebook.
3. Screenshots
Now this one is very specific in the way I see it. That funny thing that happened in your group chat with your mom and dad, go ahead make my day, post it! Here's where it gets precise for me; if it's a screenshot of a conversation turned to a fight, someone's post that you're making fun of, or any screenshot that is going to cause animosity publicly ...don't post it.
4. Selfish
This 'S' in my opinion is easily the most important. It is one thing if you decide to make yourself look bad, but please do not drag others down with you. Don't call them out on twitter, don't actively go out of your way to make someone else feel bad and/or look bad. It gets really old seeing post after post of people just being flat out mean to one another. In the words of every mom ever "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
If you're still reading I'll leave you with this...
"Everything you post on social media impacts your personal brand. How do you want to be known?" -Lisa Horn
