We’ve all heard the saying, “Social Media is killing your career.” But is it really? And if it is, what can be done about it? In this article, we’ll explore the effects of social media on our careers and offer some solutions says Peter DeCaprio.
The Reality:
It’s no secret that social media has had a negative impact on our careers. Whether we’re actively using social media or not, it’s always in the back of our minds. And for good reason – social media has been linked to job insecurity, layoffs, and even unemployment.
But just how bad is it? A study by CareerBuilder found that social media is the number one reason for job insecurity. In fact, 58% of employers said they’ve checked out a potential employee’s social media profiles before hiring them, and 42% have fired someone based on their social media posts.
And it’s not just employers who are concerned. Employees are too. A study by Pew Research found that 63% of workers are worried about how their social media presence could impact their careers explains Peter DeCaprio.
The Solutions:
So what can be done? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Be smart about what you post. Think before you post. Is it something you would want your boss to see? Is it something you would be proud to tell your parents about? Chances are, if it’s not something you’re proud of, don’t post it.
2. Be careful with how and when you share information. It might seem like no big deal to post a picture online or tweet an opinion, but keep in mind that everything is public – even if it’s not your profile/account! Once it’s posted, anyone can see it (including employers). Click here for more details on how to lock down your accounts and what information you should stay away from sharing.
3. Power down. Disable all location services on social media apps such as Facebook and Twitter (you can always add them back later if). This prevents the app from sharing your location, which can lead to some embarrassing situations. Click here for instructions on how to disable the location services on your phone.
4. Delete apps from your phone that is not used frequently or that you think may compromise your privacy (such as Trip Advisor if you’re an aspiring travel agent). Peter DeCaprio says if someone were to get hold of your phone, they would have access to all the information stored in these apps – including passwords! Click here for instructions on how to delete an app from your iPhone and/or Android device.
5. Protect sensitive information with a password manager. Password managers allow you to create strong passwords for everything so you don’t have to remember them all yourself. Click here for more details on why managing passwords is important and how to get started.
6. Use social media sparingly. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of employers looking at your social media profiles, then don’t use them! There are plenty of other ways to stay connected with friends and family without using social media. Try talking on the phone, writing a letter, or sending an email.
7. Educate yourself on privacy settings. Make sure you know how to limit who can see your posts and personal information. Click here for instructions on how to adjust your privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
8. Be proactive. If you’re worried about how social media is impacting your career, talk to your boss about it! Let them know that you’re taking steps to be more mindful of what you post and that you’re concerned about the implications it could have on your job. Bosses are more understanding than you think!
Conclusion:
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and for many of us, it’s hard to imagine living without it. But with all the concerns about privacy and job security, it’s important to be mindful of how we’re using social media and what we’re sharing online. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your career!
Social media is a powerful tool, but it can also be dangerous if not used carefully. Be smart about what you post, and take steps to protect your privacy. If you’re worried about how social media is impacting your career, talk to your boss about it! They may be more understanding than you think.
So there you have it – eight ways to help keep social media from negatively impacting your career. As with anything, vigilance is key. Stay smart, stay safe, and stay in
But just how bad is it? According to one study, social media has caused a 20% drop in productivity. That’s right – one-fifth of the workday is now being wasted on social media! So if you’re struggling to stay productive, it might be time to unplug from social media and focus on your work.