Social Media Survival Guide

   Online, I think I’m basically the same person, but a little less awkward/shy. Based on this appearance, I think people see me as funny and nice, at least that’s what people tell me, anyway. Before posting online, I like to think about whether what I’m posting is too personal or not. I like to think about if what I’m saying makes sense, or if it will offend anyone. The pros of sharing online are being able to reach a wider audience, especially if you are trying to spread an important message. Another pro would be it’s easier to able to share with all of your friends. A con would be that sometimes you make mistakes online, and they won’t ever really go away, because of permanence.

     I think social media background checks by potential employers are a somewhat good idea because you wouldn’t want someone who is easily searchable to have a bad online reputation, but also I think it’s unfair to base your whole opinion of someone off of their online presence rather than how they present themselves in real life.

    Free speech is a citizen’s right to be able to freely express their opinions and feelings without being censored. Things that are protected are the right to protest, the right to practice religion, the right to release press, and the right to petition. Things that aren’t protected are obscenity, fighting words, libel and slander, child pornagraphy, perjury, blackmail,and  fighting words.

   An internet troll is someone who intends to disrupt a conversation with and unnecessary or upsetting comment. The goals of internet trolls are to upset and rile up people in order to cause a disturbance. We can stop “trolling” by not responding to the trolls, because they feed off of people’s angry responses to their comments.

  The pros of posting anonymously online are being able to post something if you’re shy without being scared of people finding out who you are or judging you. It also makes it easy for people to talk about sensitive topics without fear of people finding out who said it, which could affect their personal lives. A con definitely is that certain people take advantage of the anonymity by being rude to people because they know they cannot receive backlash since they are anonymous.

My Three Tips For Anyone Who Uses Social Media:

• Think before you post - Don’t make any impulse posts, because you will probably regret it

• Don’t Take Advantage of Anonymity - Don’t abuse anyone over the internet just because your identity is hidden.

• Be Responsible - Don’t give out your passwords to anyone who you don’t trust 100%