The Internet lasts forever. This is great in many ways because you can find information, articles, scandals, movies, and other things, even if they are from years ago. But if you post an embarrassing photo, a bad opinion, or a negative update, it will stay around forever too—even when you believe it has disappeared.
Delete, Delete, Delete
Image via Flickr by M i x y
If you’re concerned about your online reputation because you’re seeking a new job, starting a business, or creating a brand, begin deleting now. If you don’t remove those inappropriate photos or unflattering opinions, someone will discover them and share them. When you gain any level of attention online, people will look you up, and there are online detectives who can find anything, even that detailed blog post you wrote about that embarrassing incident during Spring Break in 2006. Make sure you start deleting before that interview or big launch.
Seek Out Security
If you wait to go on a delete rampage, someone’s going to take screenshots of all the things you’re trying to hide. If you’re worried that something might slip under the radar, seek help. Tweet Reputation.com is great for news on how people are protecting their reputations. Sometimes you can’t do it alone. Your online reputation is everything these days, even if you aren’t Internet famous in any way. Get help when you need it, especially if you’re not sure what’s floating around in cyberspace.
Understand the Permanency of the Internet
As you start building your reputation, or at least making it better, remember that everything online lasts forever. It never really goes away, because even if you delete certain things, there are still ways to find them. In many ways, the Internet is like a time machine; there are sites which keep records of deleted posts, pages, and message boards. Just because you think something is gone forever doesn’t mean it’s true.
Think Before You Post
Given these facts, you have to think before you post. Standing up for yourself and your beliefs is important, but there are also tactful ways to share your opinion. You never know who’s watching or reading, so don’t post incendiary opinions. Don’t curse, don’t insult other people, don’t spread hatred, and don’t bully other people. Your behavior will come back to haunt you.
Keep Your Personal Life Private
It’s crucial to keep your personal life as private as you can. It’s bad enough that the wrong person can stumble upon your birth date or address and use that information for criminal activities. If you share too much, you put yourself and your family at risk. You also run the risk of allowing fans, followers, and strangers to know too much about you. If you have personal accounts on Facebook and Twitter, a blog, or a personal web page, keep those things private. Use your security features and never accept friend or follow requests from anyone you don’t know.
Smart cyber practices keep you safe and they make you look good to the people who follow you online. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made when sharing pictures or posts?