What to Think About When Using Social Media

To Professor Campbell and fellow students

 

Have you ever really thought about how dangerous social media can be? There are some simple things you should think about before you post, publish, or send anything. Thinking before doing anything can change if you’re about to ruin your life with just one little click. Learning what social media platforms can actually do with your information is key when using any platform. Now let’s get into what social media can actually do to your life and how you think about others and yourself.

 

Social Media as a Drug

The people who don’t see social media as a drug are the ones who are addicted to all their apps. Some people need to boost their self-esteem by getting more likes or followers on a certain social media profile, but have you ever actually thought about the people who are actually “following” you? In the article by 1&1 they talk about a hormone your body releases when some people get a notification or message. This gives them a high type of feeling. When they get this feeling, it makes them want to post or publish more and more. Until they are addicted to the apps they are using, but they don’t see it. Knowing who is seeing your social media profiles and what you post is the most important aspect to know when it comes to social media. This is where my next topic comes into play which is anything you post can be seen by the public even if you think your account is private. 

 

Private but Not Really

Most people don’t really care who follows them or who sees their posts. That is until they get their identity stolen, or they get hacked. Some people don’t know that when their phone gets updated all of their privacy settings are set back to default. This is the point where their accounts get hacked and their information is stolen. Checking your settings on all of your social media accounts daily is very important. Some apps like Facebook have the right to all your feed and can sell any of your data to their partners. This is how your personal information falls into the hands of people trying to steal your personal information. Knowing which social media platforms have access to your information is important when creating an account. The real question is how many of you actually read the section that you have to agree it before making an account on any social media platform?

 

Reputation

Your reputation on social media could be the deciding vote on if you would get the job you are applying for. Most employers look at the interviewee’s social media platforms before they even decide if they want to call you in for an interview. Posting pictures of you and your friends drinking and doing drugs isn’t a good first look for interviewers and it could even get you kicked out college. If you are in a specific major and you get caught drinking or doing something illegal under the age, you could get removed from your major with no refund. Employers also look at how other social media users talk about you. If they say you are the life of the party, lazy, and immature, most likely you will not be hired for the job or be asked to come in for an interview. Like I said before thinking before doing or posting something could just be the difference in you getting the job you want. Reputation also falls right into how you organize your social media platforms if you are already working for a company. 

 

Poor Organization

 When the company you work for asks you to be and advertising social media platform for them and you do it carelessly, this could result in you being removed from your job. Most companies have a social media policy where they tell you what you are aloud to post when you are working them. This gives the company a good reputable presence on social media platforms. When companies ask you to be their advertisement on social media there are a lot of responsibilities. They want you to monitor the comments section so there are no insults that opposing companies may have posted. Seeing many insults in the comments section gives the company a bad reputation and potential employees most likely won’t apply for the opening you may have. Being a walking advertisement could either jeopardize the company’s image or make them look highly professional. I’m not saying you can’t post or publish photos with your friends but knowing what you can’t post is key in social media advertising. 

 

Digital Bullying 

I personally saved what I think is the worst thing about social media for last. There are some people who receive their pleasing likes and comments on social media, and there are those who don’t. You may be one of them. In today’s world cyberbullying isn’t just saying or posting something rude about another person. It has come to be others leaking inappropriate pictures of others, threats, stalkers, and many more. Many of these types of bullying have led to children and adults becoming depressed or even committing suicide. In 1&1’s article they talk about how parents should inform their children about the dangers of social media before they let their children create and account on any platform of social media. They talk about how important it is to know about the privacy settings on any platform and how to use the platforms appropriately. Many statistics have also shown that most cyberbullying takes place between the ages of 12-17. The question that is always asked to people who bully others is how would you feel if they did that to you?

 

Final Question

What are some ways you protect your privacy on social media platforms?

 

Links

1&1. (2019, June 09). Social networks: The 5 most common dangers and which actions to take. Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/social-networks-dangers-of-social-media/

 

Posted:

 October 22, 2020

 

Comments:

I never knew about all the risks when I am using social media – Claire P.

I already knew everything in here – Susan M.

Category:

Pennsylvania College of Technology, Tips and Tricks