The accepted cultural norms that determine how much of your life is available for public consumption have changed. Now, you are a celebrity. You can thank the web2.0 and social media movements for this shift. Membership has its privileges, but they aren’t the kind you might be hoping for. No, there won’t be millions of dollars (unless you are @garyvee) or fancy bling.
Instead, like celebrities, you lose your anonymity. You online life is now practically a matter of public record for anyone with enough web savvy to search for your Digital footprint. Get used to it, your online life is an open book.
It all starts with Google. As Allen Stern recently wrote, “Google knows where I am and everything else I do”. Aren’t convinced yet? Google tracks everything from your marketing plans, purchasing patterns, what’s on your personal computer, to where you are geographically located. Go read Allen’s post for specific details on what Google is tracking. You’ll be surprised.
Next up, Social Media. Social media allows us to take our real world relationships with us as we go online. Social media merges our virtual and real worlds. Your activities are broadcast to everyone in your network through tweets, newsfeeds, friendfeeds, etc… This cross pollination of online/offline personal and professional worlds creates new and unexpected circumstances. And individuals will need to adjust their behavior to avoid a sticky situation.
Big deal? These are improvements that make my life more convienent. Perhaps, as long as you behave accordingly. Therein lies the rub. Failure to do so can have unpleasant real world ramifications. Just ask the Millersville University Student that was denied her bachelors degree because someone discovered a photo of her online containing a negative caption. There are a growing number of unfortunate to idiotic examples of online behavior being exposed with damaging effects. Most of these people believe they are protected by their online anonymity. At one time this was true but not anymore. These days, “online anonymity is an illusion”.
How can you take advantage of the benefits of web2.0 and Social Media without entering the virtual hall of shamer? I offer this simple tip:
Assume you are a celebrity and remember the newspaper test.
The newspaper test is a straightforward way to evaluate the impact of your online activities. Before you post an item, send a tweet, upload a video, share a link, etc.. ask yourself:
How would this be viewed if it were the lead story on the front page of the newspaper (pick your favorite paper)?
Chances are, if you get an uncomfortable feeling at the thought of whatever you’re about to do online being on the front page of the news, it could have negative ramifications for you.
Is this perfect? No. However, it’s a good litmus test for keeping you out of trouble in an era when everyone is watching and your activities are recorded for the future. After all, you don’t want to be explaining this pic to your next boss.
