As all of our schedules grow busier and more hectic, our desire and ability to stay connected becomes more vital…connected to family and friends, connected to our communities, and connected to our professional peers.
Social networking has become more than just a pastime; it’s become a way of life. Hundreds of millions of people take to the internet daily to catch up with others, post pictures and videos, and even express their political views. In fact, it is estimated that there are more than 600 million people are active users of various social networking sites. But there is a dark side that lurks with the use of this powerful tool, when our mishaps, lapses in judgment, deepest fears, pains and tragedies are put on display for all to see and, in some cases, even feel. Not only are the likes of Facebook and Twitter our electronic partners in business, they’re seemingly becoming our personal therapists.
With such a powerful tool at nearly anyone’s disposal, it’s becoming increasingly important to look before you leap, so to speak. So here are some guidelines to follow to promote smart, safe, and sensible networking:
- Don’t share anything that you wouldn’t want your worst enemy to know. Word travels quickly, and your “friends” may not always be or remain true friends. An extremely personal and “private” post can become quite the opposite in no time. Additionally, something you post or “Tweet” may not go away permanently despite it being deleted. The use of the internet for hiring purposes is on the rise, so if you don’t want to lose out on future opportunities, be mindful of what you share.
- If you have a professional complaint or a problem at work, do not share it online. Behave as if social networking sites are wide open rooms with bright acoustics. A negative post meant only to vent an immediate frustration can result in you searching for a new job.
- Try to keep your ego in check. As excited as you are to share every defining moment of your life, such as the chicken you’re preparing for dinner, bear in mind that every second of your day needs not be played or relived electronically. There are several studies that now reveal the more your post or “Tweet”, the more self-absorbed you may appear to be to others.
- Do not share your plans to go out of town. We see this daily…a friend shares there excitement about an upcoming vacation or a work trip. All of his/her “friends” now know the person’s destination, when they’re leaving, and the general duration of their time away. Facebook and Twitter are not safety deposit boxes locked in a vault in your bank. Computers are fallible, passwords are not difficult to crack, and not all your friends may have the best security measures on their account. Don’t assume they’re as protective with their computer and the information therein as you are. Protect your family and your belongings by NOT sharing your travel plans online.
- Utilize the proper privacy settings for your protection. And bear in mind, social networking sites’ account settings can change in an instant, leaving your previous settings in the proverbial dust. Ask yourself this, why are these sites free to use? Perhaps your most personal information, pictures and videos are actually for sale the second you add them to a site. Keep this in mind so that one of your pictures doesn’t end up on a billboard in Sweden.
Let’s face it – social networking is here to stay. The numbers of users has grown exponentially of the last several years, and there is no end in site. It can be an incredibly powerful tool for marketing, connecting with friends and loved ones, or for information gathering. But, as is the case with most technological advancements, social networking is not impervious to evil-doers. Nor does it keep us safe from ourselves. So be smart, think before you post or “Tweet”, and protect yourself. Happy social networking!