Social media has undoubtedly changed the world we live in today. In fact, it’s hard to imagine life without it now. It essentially revolutionized how we communicate and connect as a global society. Many have weighed in on the costs and benefits of social media and its’ impact on society, but one thing we can all agree upon is – it’s here to stay. I still believe face-to-face interactions and real life human connections should rein supreme, but when those are not possible, utilizing social media is the next best thing.

Times have dramatically changed in the last few decades; many people have to relocate and travel for employment, so it’s rare for one to stay in the same city they grew up in. Because of social media, many of us can easily stay connected with family and friends. I love that my family members and childhood friends are able to see my kids grow up via Facebook, when otherwise they would not get to see them at all.

Social media has helped so many people locate long lost relatives and has even reunited adoptees with their birth parents. It has also fostered global communities by creating special interest groups and support groups for anyone and everyone to join. How cool is it to have a network of millions of people right at your fingertips?

Another notable advantage is how social media can be used as a powerful platform for change and awareness. Because of our need as a society to share, information can be spread very quickly. Viral campaigns can be incredibly influential too. Some have raised millions of dollars for charities (The Ice Bucket Challenge), and another even assisted in freeing a man wrongly convicted of murder, (Ryan Ferguson) more than ten years ago. I’ve also even seen a popular food blogger (The Food Babe) get large corporations to take harmful ingredients out of their foods.

Social media definitely gives people a voice that can be heard, but unfortunately this is where it can turn destructive very quickly. Because information spreads so rapidly, it can easily turn into a virtual game of telephone. With each share of a story, it can become more and more fabricated. Between individual accounts and what journalists broadcast, it’s difficult to decipher between what’s the truth and what isn’t. Social media has also become a bully’s most valuable tool. Cyber bulling can destroy a reputation and a life, with the click of a button. Many feel more comfortable speaking boldly behind the iron curtain of their smart phone or computer screen. Just because you have a voice doesn’t mean you always need to exercise it, especially when it involves hurting someone else.

Social media also opens the door to stalking. I’m not talking about checking out an old flame to see if you’re better than their current love interest, I’m talking about genuine stalking.  Know that people are watching you, regardless if there is a lot of activity on your page or not.

Because social media is an integrated part of our culture and future, it’s important to be mindful about sharing information and protecting yourself. Let’s keep social media the positive driving force that it was originally intended to be.

Here are some tips on how to do so: 

If you wouldn’t say the comment to the individual’s face, you probably shouldn’t be writing it on their wall.

Show compassion.

Refrain from posting extremely personal information about you or your family.

Disable any Apps that show your location to protect your whereabouts.

Be genuine. The more authentic you are, the more of a positive influence you’ll be.

Refrain from posting when you’re away for extended periods of time. This let’s people know when your home will be vacant.

Remember, the more information you give the more you risk the opportunity of someone hacking your life.

Be sure all your security settings are set to private.

Do not accept friendship requests from people you don’t know or barely know.

Be sure your password is not one that is easily hacked, i.e. birthday, pets name, kids name, etc.

Don’t have the same password for everything. If one is figured out hackers will have access to all other accounts.

Don’t create false illusions. When all you see is happy and perfect, one thinks this is normal life.

Employers do check social media. An old colleague always told me to never be photographed with an alcoholic beverage in your hand.

Always remember people are watching and you can’t undo what has already been seen, so think carefully before posting.

Manage your screen time so you don’t miss out on important things. Enjoy life in real time.

By Holly Rust

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