Social media is a powerful tool that can help you connect with others, learn new things, expand your perspectives, and explore your identity. However, if not used thoughtfully and intentionally, social media can have disadvantages and even lead to negative consequences. In this article, we share some helpful tips on how to use social media responsibly!

Think twice before posting

You may be familiar with the term "digital footprint," but what does it mean? Put simply, your digital footprint is the history of your internet usage. The things you post, like, share, and comment on are all a part of your digital footprint and can be seen by others both now and well into the future. Before posting online, consider what you want your digital footprint to look like now and 10 years from now.

It's especially important to be mindful of your digital footprint when considering college and careers. If you're applying to a school or for a job, it's generally safe to assume that both will look into your online presence. Before posting a picture, video, or tweet, consider what you want to be known about you by the general public. If you want something to remain private, it's best not to post about it.

Remember that nothing is private online

In addition to being careful about what you post, it’s important to remember how public the internet really is. Once something is posted online, it can be difficult to completely erase it, even if you delete it. The post might still live somewhere online, or someone may have taken a screenshot of it. Unfortunately, privacy isn’t always guaranteed online. 

To protect yourself, be careful when accepting friend or follower requests from people you don’t know, and avoid sharing personal information. For example, you shouldn't post a TikTok in your school uniform in front of your house. This video alone can lead strangers to learn multiple points of information about you in one post. 

Digital privacy also begins when you create a social media account. Different platforms may store and handle your personal data (such as your last name, location, birthday, etc.) differently, so be sure to read about their terms and conditions before signing up. Generally, it's also best to only share personal data with these platforms that you're comfortable being known.  

Be in control of the content you see 

What you see online is just as important as what you post! Take a few minutes to go through your YouTube subscriptions or your For You page on TikTok. Consider how what you see makes you feel. Does the content you see regularly have any impact on your mental health and well-being? If you're being recommended accounts that spread false news, bully others, make you feel bad about yourself, or are trying to sell you something you don’t want, don’t be afraid to hit the unfollow or block button. Social media should be a tool used for fun, so stick to accounts that bring you joy and add value to your life!

Use social media for good

Despite its potential harms, social media can be a powerful tool used for good! There are plenty of positive ways to use social media, like raising awareness for causes you care about, sharing resources to help others, and staying connected to local politics and issues. 

Know when to take social media breaks 

It's okay to take a social media break every now and then! These breaks can be great for your mental health, giving your mind a chance to rest and reset. If you find it difficult to stay offline, consider setting time limits on apps or using website blockers to help reduce your screen time. Taking these steps can help you find a healthier balance with technology and improve your overall well-being.

Have any questions about using social media responsibly? Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!