When I first "Googled" myself, I initially thought my Facebook profile would be the first thing to pop up; however, I only found my soccer profile that I wasn't even aware of. I couldn't find my Facebook profile, which I thought was odd, since Facebook is the only social media site that I am the slightest bit active on (though I'm not all that active on it anymore). It doesn't bother me that my athletic profile is online because it doesn't misrepresent me, nor does it represent me in a way I don't want to be represented. However, with viewers being aware of my athletic background may give them the impression of my still being active as a soccer player, which I am not. I have no interest in perusing myself as an athlete in college; rather, I would prefer to be known as a scholarly leader, who has had a background with soccer. This way, with them knowing I've experienced some sort of team work, they get the impression that I am capable of working well with others.
The article "College Prospects are Being Watched on Facebook and Twitter" is an article with quotes from those who have experienced being searched through their social media sites. These students who have worked long and hard to get into a college for a sport they participated in, are being turned down for their coaches findings on sites like Facebook and Twitter. The article, overall, has a daunting effect that really just wakes me up and has my eyes open for reality to sink in, as well as "37 Percent of Employers use Facebook to Pre-Screen Applicants" and "This is How a Woman's Offensive Tween Became the World's Top Story". I personally didn't realize what possible effects could come out of what is posted on a social media site. People actually get rejected from colleges and teams due to what they've posted in the past, and ruin their future. They could even become known all over the world for one tweet in a matter of hours. Coming to the realization that more and more bosses are searching who they hire, I will certainly be more cautious as to what I put out there; however, I am not so worried personally, because I am not one to post a lot at all. With the knowledge that my future employers may view my personal profiles, I'd hope they're findings would be of only positive descriptions such as those listed in the word cloud below. What is found online to me should remain strictly professional and non provocative. |