Social media has come to be a major part of an average adult and teen life. You get up in the morning, and you check your facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. It is at your fingertips quite literally. You are never ever without it. All of your friends follow you, all of your haters creep on you, and you are there smiling thinking you look too cute in that picture for all of them.
So, your parents are concerned you spend too much time on your social media. In all seriousness, you most likely do! That can’t all be wasted time though, right? You parents don’t like your facebook, because there is too much profanity, too much sadness, and too many people being hurt on your page. Admit it! You have made mean comments on people’s pictures, and posts before. That person feels bad now and you mother is disappointed in you. That is what your parents see.
You see social media as a way to keep up. Keep up with all your “besties”. Keep up with all the latest fashion. Keep up with all of the latest and greatest news! It is also a great way to keep tabs on the girl you don’t like. You have to look better than her, so follow her so you always know what she looks like. You can also check up on your dream husband, weather its Theo James (divergent series) or Chris Hemsworth (Thor) or Miley Cyrus (self) Isn’t it wonderful?!?! It is, but it could be so so so so much more.
Think of it this way. Social media does not have to be something you would be scared to show your grandma. It can become a thing that you would be super proud to show the president of the United States, or a future employer. Make it a portfolio of your excellence.
Instead of posting the funny cat video, or the inappropriate comic strip with the stripper on it, post what role you hold you groups, class, and other activities. So when people google your name, such as a possible employer, they can click on an account that portrays you as a professional, level headed person worthy of working with their company. You can post things like awards you have accepted if you are in 4H, FFA, girl scouts, or boy scouts. Talk about positive experiences you have had recently. If you go to a conference, and you hear a great message, quote an interesting quote.This would all look much better than that video of the drunk 19 year old trying to cuss his mother out.
I am not talking about deleting your current accounts and building new ones, or completely changing the accounts you have, (once you post something on the internet, its THERE) but maybe creating separate accounts. One for yourself for friends, and a professional one. Don’t be friends with your other accounts, don’t link them at all!
This is something that can be almost like a digital, technological way of creating a resume for yourself that is open to the whole world. The internet is a scary, and dangerous place, but with the right mind set, and the right attitude, it can be a positive way to move forward with your life. 