We live in a world surrounded by technology, social media, and the internet. Knowing when and what to post along with keeping your information safe can be a daunting task to many teens. These tips will help you answer the question, “Should I post this?”
- Privacy settings only go so far
Even when your account is set to private your posts don’t always stay private. Sometimes when you post something on a private account it ends up in front of the eyes of others through word of mouth. Keep that in mind when posting opinions or photos with other people in them.
- Keep gossip to a minimum
You NEVER want to speak badly of a person in a post, comment section, or a text/ group chat message. While it is important to keep negative comments to yourself in general; not saying them in places where there is written evidence eliminates drama and all the unnecessary things that spiral from it.
- Even when you delete it, it’s not always really gone
The moment you post something the damage is done even if it’s only up for 30 seconds. People can take screenshots, screen recordings, or save something to their camera roll. These can be sent to other people who can send those to other people and next thing you know just as many people have seen it as if it stayed online.
- What you post in your teens follows you through life
Many employers and colleges are starting to look at your social media accounts because they don’t want someone who is known for badmouthing former employers and schools, no matter how bad they were. If you post something that brings you into legal trouble that can potentially end up on your record which also follows you through life.
- Wait to make vacation posts until you are back home
When posting things while out of town that advertise you aren’t home, which makes your house a prime spot for crime. You should wait until you return home completely. Not on the airplane flying home, but when you are physically back in your house.
- Don’t share passwords with anyone
You may think it’s a show of trust to have your boyfriend/girlfriend’s social media passwords and you have theirs, but things happen, and in a break up or period of disagreement, you don’t know what anger will drive that person to do.
- Don’t allow everyone to see your location
When all of your followers and friends can see your location you may unknowingly let people into a little too much of your personal life. It also may enable your home address to fall into the hands of the wrong people. Sharing your location with a trusted parent or guardian is always a smart move though as it allows them to easily find you in an emergency.
- Think before you comment
What you put in the comments section of a post can do just as much damage as an actual post can. Try to uplift people but refrain from the negative comments. Sometimes the best way to avoid commenting you will regret later is to refrain from commenting altogether. Liking a post can show just as much appreciation for a post.
