The Top 6 List
By Phillip Barnhard
You’ve just figured out how to post on YouTube, and the amount of friend requests on your MySpace page has tripled. You’re becoming a social media juggernaut, but can you avoid the darker sides of being totally connected? This August, the Top 6 List examines the pitfalls of social media.
6. The Facebook/MySpace Effect
While Facebook and MySpace might be popular online hangouts for young socialites, they can land young professionals and corporate executives in hot water when searching for a new position. Many companies research their interviewee’s Facebook and MySpace profiles to get a deeper glimpse at what kind of person he/she might be when not in a professional setting. It doesn’t take employers long to find those photos from the night club or the gun-totin’ NRA convention and paint the wrong picture. Make sure you set your Facebook/MySpace profile to keep the unwanted eyes from prying into your personal life.
5. You Meets YouTube
With camera phones and digital camcorders handy, there’s always the chance that your every action is being recorded. Your rant at the boss that resulted in you destroying company property can earn you YouTube infamy and jeopardize future employment. Your tandem bike crash that resulted in a face plant for you and a sprinkler head to the groin for your partner could result in a couple of bruised egos if found on YouTube. These probably aren’t the videos you’d want your loved ones and co-workers watching in their spare time. While the bike accident might be hard to control, be weary of camera-wielding associates the next time you want to make an informal complaint to the CEO.
4. Twittering My Thumbs
On the Twitter Web site, reviewers describe the micro-blogging service as “the telegraph system of Web 2.0” and something like “ESP.” Either way, it’s a great way to stay ultra-connected to your family and friends. Tweets inform your buddies what you’re up to. The only problem is that you might be sending out the wrong social message. For instance, remember that mandatory company picnic you were supposed to attend but opted for a romantic getaway instead? Perhaps, you should have kept that tweet to yourself. Ultra-connected can sometimes lead to ultra-trouble.
3. Blog Bog
Blogs are a great way to keep an online journal for friends and family to read and to update followers on important daily news; however, it’s not the best place to air your dirty laundry. Without a fear of accessibility, some low-profile bloggers view it as a forum to talk bad about a fellow associate, slander a politician or post incriminating photos – the edgier your commentary, the more engaged your blog audience becomes. But with more edge, comes ire. Just don’t be surprised when half of your cherished bobblehead collection turns up missing from your desk.
2. Photo Frenzy
Another great way to pass along photos to loved ones is through Flickr and Photobucket. However, it might not be the photos (or videos) you want others to see or management at work stumbling upon. It’s best to steer clear of posting anything too risqué on social media sites. Since you never know who might be watching, it would be good practice to always ask yourself before posting: would I mind my boss seeing this?
1. Wild, Wild Wikis
If you’re out to change the wiki world, stop by Wikipedia and make a few edits to better inform the masses. When you’re entering information into a wiki, you want to make sure that your information is accurate. Wiki software continuously sweeps the Internet to deter inaccurate posts, ensuring medical professionals have the accurate information they need to successfully perform surgeries and diagnoses. Get flagged on a few inaccurate posts, and you’ve become Wikipedia editors’ Public Enemy No. 1.
E-mail the author: Phillip Barnhard
