Learn
Your Tracks
It is amazing the number of electronic devices we use every day as well as the amount of time spent on them. Take a minute and reflect on your use of technology and digital tracks you made since waking up this morning.
- Did you wake up to an alarm on your phone?
- Maybe text a few friends at breakfast?
- Answer or make a phone call?
- Post any photos or play a game while waiting on school to start?
According to an article, Teens spend a 'mind-boggling' 9 hours a day using media, report says, from cnn.com, teens spend 9 hours a day using various forms of technology. This includes phones, gaming consoles, and computers. We are constantly online playing games, texting friends, or sharing our daily life on various social media platforms.
So who is following your tracks? Everybody.
The very nature of social media is to attract followers. A pin here, a photo there, a tweet, a post, a few more friends and likes and very quickly you have established an Internet presence. Don't forget that the social network encompasses the globe. You are a citizen passing through this unique portal. Be responsible. The type of information you publish may attract attention you don't want. Think to yourself, "Are you oversharing?"
What you view as simply fun and games today may come back to haunt you later. It is important to realize that your online profile could be viewed by college admission officers and future employers. It is common practice for colleges and employers to Google your name or search popular apps, like Snapchat and Instagram, to find out more about you. An inappropriate tweet, post, or image could keep you from getting your dream job or attending your chosen school. Remember, your online presence should reflect who you really are. Start now by building the kind of online presence that you want them to see.
Watch Oversharing (3:35) to learn more.
Your Content
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Watch Out!
As you sit in this class, you're probably not too worried about whether the things you post online or on social media will impact your future. However, ask hiring managers of major companies and they will tell you a different story. Many companies today will search for you on social media to see the "real" you that's hard to uncover during an interview. Here are some tips from managers:
- Avoid arguing on social media.
- Don't talk negatively about your former employer.
- Don't post too much personal information.
- Don't post embarrassing party pictures.
- Don't misspell and/or use poor grammar.
- Don't use profanity.
- Don't use unprofessional email addresses or screen names.
- Don't post negative or inappropriate comments.
- You should have a social media profile. (Yes, it raises red flags if you're not on social media.)
Notice the last bullet. Does it seem a little different? Everything else in the list is a warning about what not to post, and some people might be tempted to avoid social media altogether, but many experts warn that strategy is likely to backfire. If you're not on social media, companies may think you have nothing to offer them.