Social Media Etiquette For Students

As a college student, I never really thought much about social media and its effects until I started my internship. Though a lot of it is common sense, students don’t always think before they post. As one of the lucky ones who got firsthand experience in what to do and what not to do, I feel it is my duty to help other students out there who just don’t get how to use social media the right way.

Party in the USA

Student life undoubtedly includes the party scene, meaning some sketchy situations can arise. Everyone wants to document their college experience, and what better photo op than a killer party with blasting music and a booze free for all. Well, just because you take the pictures, doesn’t mean you should post them. As a matter of fact, one of the easiest ways to practice smart online reputation management is to not cause problems for yourself in the first place! A picture with a beer in hand, especially when underage, is just a recipe for disaster. Even if you’re a hardcore partier, a potential employer definitely shouldn’t know that side of you—unless it’s a problem that will interfere with your work, but that’s a different conversation entirely. Keep the partying scene off the Internet, unless it really is an innocent photo. It’ll pay off in the long run.

F*&@! S%#&!!!

Swearing on the Web is a problem that will likely never go away. Twitter sees countless swears daily, Facebook witnesses thousands of swears between status updates and wall posts. If your profiles are set to private, then the occasional swear likely won’t hurt you much. That being said, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Truly, what does swearing in every status update do? Make you look tough, make whatever you’re saying have more warrant or sound funnier? It’s not worth your networking time and energy to promote yourself as someone who can’t filter what you’re saying, or at least how you say it. You’re not expected to be perfect, but you should be keeping your language in check.

Like, I just Love Him So Much!!! Yay, I’m about to go shopping, text me!

No offense to anyone, but status updates about every little thing you do and your love life isn’t always the best foot forward. While it’s all well and good things are going well with your significant other and that you don’t mind everyone knowing what you’re up to 24/7, the facts are simple: it’s annoying, people often just don’t really care, and you may come off as a spammer. Though of course you can use your Facebook to brag about your boyfriend every now and then, or maybe send a tweet here and there about your fabulous hang out with friends, don’t limit your social media profiles to all personal updates all the time. Try linking to interesting articles and update your status on occasion with important moments in your life or thoughtful quotes. Show a dynamic side to yourself and set yourself apart from the high schoolers and other young teens using these networking sites.

You’re an Adult, so Act Like One

Your whole life you wanted to be treated like an adult, able to make your own decisions and take care of yourself. Now, as a college student, is the time to really take full reign and act like the adult you always wanted to be. Be smart in what you post on Facebook and Twitter and other social networking sites. Act as someone already in the professional world would on their accounts. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, you can’t post an oddball picture here and there. Just think through what you’re posting and monitor yourself on the Internet, and there’s one less strike against you in a potential employer’s book.