What do we want the world to see?
This topic has
sparked many conversations between colleagues, peers and other professionals…
What should you post on your social media?
It’s happened to us
all; an embarrassing photo appears on our newsfeed, considerately posted by a
friend who is probably laughing their heads off at your expense. Now I am all
for having a giggle and posting funny photos and great holiday snaps for your
friends and family to enjoy and share memories, but who sees these photos and
are you portraying a professional and employable image?
It is so important, in my opinion to keep my
profile private, so only people who I choose can see my private accounts, even
then I monitor what goes on there and what I say. Also as a teacher I feel it
is crucial that teachers do not ‘friend’ students, as this completely breaks a
professional barrier. An interesting article says ‘Teachers are probably the
most vulnerable group in danger from violations of boundary crossing between
one’s personal and professional lives’ (Kuehn, 2010, p. 86)
I have endless
Facebook friend requests from students who I teach on a daily basis, and whilst
you might feel like you are being ignorant, it is imperative, I feel, to
decline. Once those boundaries are crossed, it opens a window of potential
disasters. No matter how much you monitor your profile… a sneaky tag from an embarrassing
picture, can quickly make your employability and professional etiquette rapidly
decline.
As I explained in the previous post, my facebook and twitter
accounts have helped me in my career on several occasions. For that reason I
created a professional account for both medias, so I may use these forums and
groups, keeping my private and social life completely separate, appearing
employable and professional at all times.
What may be funny to
our friends, may be an off put to an employer…. Always think about what you
post!
Thanks Ami.
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