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A careless comment or a “on the verge” photo posted on social media can put an end to a career or ruin a relationship. Most of us won’t let a drunk friend drive, but in today’s realities, it’s just as important to keep him and yourself from rash fasting.
Why do we post on social media something that can lead to trouble? Do we really, under the influence of the moment, do not think about the consequences at all, or do we believe that no one, except friends, will pay attention to our post? Or maybe, on the contrary, we are chasing likes and reposts?
Advocate and researcher on safe online behavior Sue Scheff suggests thinking about the possible consequences of “drunk” or overly emotional posts posted on social networks. “Our image on the Web should be a reflection of all the best that we have, but few succeed,” she says and substantiates her opinion, citing research data.
Under the sway of the moment
A study by the New York University College of Public Health found that about a third (34,3%) of the young people surveyed had posted on their social media pages while intoxicated. About a quarter (21,4%) regretted it.
This doesn’t just apply to social media. More than half of people (55,9%) sent rash messages or made calls while under the influence of substances, and about a quarter (30,5%) later regretted it. In addition, in such a situation, we can be marked in a general photo without warning. Approximately half of the respondents (47,6%) were drunk in the photo and 32,7% regretted it afterwards.
Most employers today look at the profiles of job seekers in social networks
“If someone takes a photo of us in a state of disrepair and then posts it to the public, many of us feel ashamed and quarrel with those who posted the photo without asking,” says Joseph Palamar, a researcher at the Center for Public Health Studies related to HIV, hepatitis C and drug use. “It can also affect careers: most employers today look at social media profiles of job seekers and are unlikely to be happy to find evidence of abuse.”
Searching for a job
A 2018 study by an online job site confirmed that 57% of job seekers were rejected after potential employers scrutinized their social media accounts. Obviously, a thoughtless post or flippant tweet can cost us dearly: about 75% of American colleges look at the online activities of a prospective student before deciding to enroll.
According to the study, the two main reasons for rejection are:
- provocative or inappropriate photos, videos or information (40%);
- information that applicants use alcohol or other psychoactive substances (36%).
Joseph Palamar believes it is important to educate people about the risks of “drunk posts” on social media: “We are often warned, for example, about the dangers of drunk driving. But it is also important to talk about the fact that using a smartphone in an inadequate state can increase the risk of falling into an unpleasant situation of a different kind … «
The «moral code» of employees
Even if we already have a job, this does not mean that we can behave on the Web as we please. Proskauer Rose, a major American law firm, published data showing that 90% of companies surveyed have their own social media code of conduct and more than 70% have already taken disciplinary action against employees who violate this code. For example, one inappropriate comment about the place of work can lead to dismissal.
Avoid unwanted posts
Sue Sheff recommends being prudent and taking care of each other. “When going to a party with the firm intention of drinking, take care in advance not only of a sober driver, but also of someone to help you control your devices. If your friend often posts controversial posts when he gets into a certain condition, keep an eye on him. Help him realize that the consequences of such impulsive actions may not be the most pleasant.
Here are her tips for preventing rash online activities.
- Try to persuade a friend to turn off the smartphone. You may not succeed, but it’s worth a try.
- Try to minimize possible harm. Check the privacy settings of posts, although they do not always save. Make sure notifications work if you’re tagged in a photo. And, of course, look around so as not to miss the moment when you will be photographed.
- If necessary, hide the gadget. If a loved one does not control himself while intoxicated and it is no longer possible to appeal to reason, you will have to take extreme measures.
She emphasizes that rash posts and comments can seriously affect the future. Going to college, a potential internship, or a dream job—violating a code of conduct or an unspoken code of conduct can leave us with nothing. “Each of us is one click away from life changes. May they be for the best.»
About the Author: Sue Scheff is an attorney and author of Shame Nation: The Global Online Hatering Epidemic.