How can you make sure the information you post doesn’t give the wrong impression of who you are in real life? What sort of information is best left offline?
I want you to close your eyes and imagine someone who would make you feel uncomfortable. Someone creepy, who you wouldn’t feel safe being around in broad daylight. Someone who doesn’t care about who you are, what your life aspirations are, or the fact that you are loved – this person doesn’t care about you at all. They want something from you.
Next, I want you to imagine someone nosy. Someone who wants to know all your juicy secrets. Someone who relishes the idea of sharing your personal information with anyone else, just because they love the drama, the power, and the humiliation.
Finally, I want you to think of someone you love, respect, and admire. Someone who you really care about and want to impress. Someone whose opinion of you matters deeply and who you try to be your best self around.
Ok, hold these three different characters or avatars in your mind. Each time you go to post something online, ask yourself, would you feel comfortable if these people saw this? If the answer is not “Yes” to all three, don’t post it.
Maybe you want to tag your location to support a local business, because you’re excited to share a vacation spot, or you want friends to meet you there. Once you’ve geo-tagged, Creepy McCreeperson has now gained a piece of information about where you are.
Maybe you’re chilling with friends and everyone has had a few drinks or tokes. Or maybe you were feeling bored and started messing around to lighten the mood. Someone takes a photo. If you post that, even if your privacy is tight and you delete it later, it will never truly disappear and Mx. Role Model may not offer you that coveted thing (a dream job, entry into a program, a reference).
Do you want everyone to know? Are you comfortable with how this might be perceived? Have you thought of whether this might be harmful to yourself or others? There is always a Nosy Noserson, ready to twist your words, share your secrets, and create a really embarrassing situation for you.
It’s not just about protecting your identity and your reputation. It’s also about knowing what is fact and what is fiction.
If you don’t want this attached to your name, your identity, and the way others see you for the rest of your life, then don’t post it online.
If you’re not sure, fact-check it with your Teacher Librarian or run it by a trusted adult before doing anything that might be permanent.
Question: How do you decide whether to post something online? What questions do you ask yourself?
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