It’s safe to say that social networking is the biggest outlet in the world right now. It’s the one thing that everyone has in common. Whether we’re getting to class or showing up to work, the first thing we tend to look up online is our profiles. Facebook and Twitter is the place to find out the latest news on whatever you want. Although these sites come with many advantages, there are also individuals that take things too far. It not only makes people upset, but it can harm reputations.
People forget that whatever you put on the Internet can be found by anyone in the world, if they choose to look. An employer will search for other people to hire, if they see a status about you doing keg stands with no clothes on. It’s also easy to draw attention to yourself from the authorities if you invite 1,000 people to your party. College town cops have it easy if your invite has your address, your picture and even a nice guest list full of under-aged party-goers.
Pictures are the best way to draw the attention of unwanted eyes, especially the ones with no clothes. The most annoying conversation is when someone complains about getting called names like “whore” or “slut,” even though we have all seen pictures of them rocking the “duck face” look while laying on the floor with no pants on. If you do not want to be categorized into something, don’t publicize the proof needed to make claims.
It’s a time where athletes and celebrities aren’t famous for their performances, but what they say on Twitter. Pittsburg Steelers linebacker James Harrison is famous for his Twitter attacks on National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell. After being fined multiple times for his hits on players, Harrison has called Goodell many names, including “devil” and “dream killer.” Of course we can’t print everything Harrison has said, but a person as popular as him should never publicly say something that offensive. Not only has he been fined over $250,000 because of Twitter happenings, but has lost much respect from fellow players in the league.
The idea of Foursquare is also good for social networking. You can check in at the places you visit.  It’s fun to see some of the places people are at, but we don’t need to know everywhere you are. If you are at the mall, do not check in at all the stores you walk past. If you are in the bathroom and check in, then you are just going to ruin other people’s dinners. Stop drawing a map of your travels via Foursquare.
Social networks are designed for keeping up with your friends and the latest news in the world. It’s all about being smart with what you post online. It would be unfortunate if you didn’t get the dream job because of one night in college that came with pictures. Just be yourself on Facebook. All of your friends already know about you. Stop trying to impress everyone with what you do in your personal life.
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Ahimes@mavs.coloradomesa.edu