After I searched myself on google, I was shocked to see some old photos from Facebook, truly anything that is uploaded to the internet will always be there. I had a few laughs with my husband looking through the photos. I was extremely surprised; that I even made him google me from his phone and to my surprise the same photos came out.
I also saw that my LinkedIn, Wix page, Pinterest, and Instagram came out. Thankfully all of my accounts are decent and cannot be used against me in any way. I consider myself to be extroverted and very opened, therefore most of my accounts have a decent amount of information about myself. Although my accounts are not private, I consider the information showed is not extremely confidential. I have always been careful on what to upload on the internet; the thought of strangers knowing where I live or what I do on the daily scares me, therefore I am careful on that and what not to post.
After watching the “ What Does Your Digital Footprints Say About You?” TED talk with Nicola Osborne I learned the importance of the content that one may post online. Content that is posted online can have negative or positive outcomes. Negative impacts of social media on real people unfortunately happen everyday; social media may promote stressful experiences such as public shamming which can eventually cause depression, anxiety, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. It is extremely important to carefully think what kind of post or pictures one may want to upload to social media. One must always be professional ; As this information may have implications on future career or employers. Furthermore, it is important to set a decent profile and impression to those who view your social media.
As I read “Is Twitter A Stage”, I came to understand the importance of impressions one leaves on others. One example the article talks about is the similarity a social media participant and a stage actor share. Both a social media participant and a stage actor relay on the audience opinion. As a social media participant one relays on how others react to a post or picture in order to feel approved and /or may influence what one would upload next. As for a stage actor relays on the audience in affirm if they are doing a good job or not.
Social Media footprints have made me come to realization on what to share and what to avoid on uploading to the internet. It is important to take advantage of the many opportunities social media can offer. Although the internet is a great source and tool, it may also be negative and harmful if not used correctly.