To Post or Not to Post?

To post or not to post, this is an important question because it can definitely be a deal-breaker when it comes to employment, credibility, and even your personality, which some might argue that there’s nothing wrong with that, and I agree… to an extent.

When I post, retweet, or share something, the first question I ask myself is “will anyone be offended, turned off, or think lower of me for posting this?” Now, let’s set the record straight, I’m not interested or wanting to post obscene and offensive content, but if something is a little too “humorous,” political, or taking too strong of a stance on a topic, I might think twice as you should too. Now, maybe I’m thinking of this a little differently as I am currently deeply ingrained in the job searching process but, just because you’re in a job or in a field that doesn’t have any correlation with your online presence, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Because who's to say they aren’t looking?

Now, when it comes to social media posts, I believe you should express yourself, show your personality, your interests, your feel good moments and whatever you want to post. I also believe everyone is well within their right to share their opinion on politics, social issues, the economy, and whatever else they may be passionate about. The point I’m getting at is just to be careful. Be careful of the sources you’re posting from, are they legitimate? Are they credible? Are they real? Also, be careful that you’re not going to post anything too controversial. You never know who’s toes you might be stepping on, and who you might be turning off. Imagine submitting an excellently crafted cover letter and resume to a job and they turn you away because your social media feed is full of controversial topics that they don’t like or agree with? If you ever found out, you’d really kick yourself. Unfair as it may be, it can and does happen.

On the flip side, like I said above I do believe everyone is within their right to post what they want. If it’s your passion to debate and comment on politics, by all means, do! If you want to post scandalous and “inappropriate” memes, again please do so!  Maybe just consider making your accounts private, or creating a professional and personal account. Or, tell me I’m straight up wrong and what you post is your business. That’s 100% valid.

I don’t necessarily believe it’s fair to be judged on your social presence, but it happens. So, my advice would be to edit yourself a bit and think before you post. Show your personality, show your beliefs, be yourself. But, be your thoughtful self and ask yourself that daunting question “to post or not to post” even if you have to spare those likes, retweets, and comments. It might be worth it, and you don’t even know!  
Zachary Rees-Sirotich
Monthly Contributor to Pepper Prep

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