Is this how people look when they see your Facebook page?
One of the topics disussed at Blog Live Atlanta was social media and how people perceive you online. One of the panelists believes your profiles should be as professional as possible while still maintaining and showing your personality. Another panelist thought it didn’t matter as much how you presented yourself as long as you’re being you; he felt that when people meet you/begin working with you, your true self will come out anyway so you might as well do you, so to speak.
I personally feel that the way you present yourself online is important, and I think people should really think about what they’re putting out there for others to view because whether you like it or not, people judge you by your Facebook page, Twitter stream, LinkedIn account and everything else out there in Internet-land with your name on it. People even look at and judge what other people right on your wall and what you have to say about yourself (like in your About Me). Now, I’m not saying it’s right for people to judge us this way; as a matter of fact, I think it’s somewhat unfair (even though I catch myself doing it), but it’s reality.
It even happens in real life when you see or meet someone for the first time: You look at her clothes or observe her demeanor and decide what kind of person she might be. In the online world, your Twitter page might be the first impression someone gets of you so, in my opinion, you should be sure it represents your best self well. I definitely think you should show your personality and share personal stuff (if you want), but I also think you should be careful about what you post and what you allow other people to post on you wall or tweet you.
The other side of this argument is that if someone is going to judge you by your Facebook Profile, do you even want to associate with them anyway? I think this is a very valid point, too…
In an article, Taking Care of Your Internet Persona, Cyan Ta’eed, a Freelance Switch contributor, gives easy ways to avoid making a not-so-great impression. The actual article is for freelancers, but I think the tips apply to everyone online:
- Think before you swear profusely online.
- Consider what you are about to type when discussing politics or religion online.
- Think about how a personal blog might come off if it is written under your trade name or business site.
- Think before posting a photo or video of yourself that you wouldn’t want your mother to see (and if you have a really liberal mother, insert the name of someone more conservative in that sentence. Your grandmother, perhaps?).
- Avoid inflammatory comments about sex, race or religion.
- Think before you join a controversial site under your name.
What do ya’ll think about this? Do you try to keep your accounts as professional as possible or do you just ‘do you’? I’d love to hear your opinions on this so leave a comment!
Photo from: momlogic.com
My Facebook, Twitter and blog all show the wacky, fun side of me. They are personal, but there is nothing I would be ashamed of my parents, employers or anyone else to see. If there is something I want to get off my chest, I just write in my journal.
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