Today, AVG Technologies released the findings of its latest research, “Digital Baggage,” the sixth stage of its “Digital Diaries” series. The survey found that a sizeable chunk of young adults aged 18-25 years old are using social networks to broadcast personal and work-related information that could potentially threaten their young careers.
For instance:
One in eight young professionals voice work-related frustrations online, while only 40% adjust their privacy settings to make sure their opinions aren’t seen by their employers
21% of young professionals in the US have inappropriate photos posted online
While half of those surveyed wish they could remove inappropriate photos, over half don’t even consider going back to edit their online profiles
While most of us turn to social media to express our opinions, thoughts, and feelings with friends, family and acquaintances, young professionals need to be extra vigilant about what they share online. What may seem like harmless banter could be shared with employers, which could sour work relationships or worse yet, harm ones profession. Here are a few suggestions from AVG to help young professionals maintain their online presence with their career in mind:
Don’t Post in Anger – One in eight 18-25 year olds communicated negative posts online about their boss or employer after a bad day at work. These kinds of comments/posts make you out as untrustworthy and disrespectful of company confidentiality.
Vary Your Friend Privacy Settings – 20% of the 18-25 year olds surveyed have Facebook profiles that are completely open for everyone to see. In the US, 59% have the same privacy settings for their colleagues as they do for their personal friends.
Respect the Rules – Follow the rules set by your workplace regarding social media use. What does it say in your contract? Keep in mind confidentiality, bringing your employer into disrepute, and intellectual property.
Clean Up Your Act – 57% of the 18-25 year olds surveyed have not done an online audit of their social media presence. Take the time to edit and delete incriminating information; take control of your online reputation.
A Picture Says a Thousand Words – On Facebook, 300 million photos are posted a day. Be mindful of what photos you make public.
Don’t Stretch the Truth – Many employers are using the professional social network LinkedIn in place of the standard CV. Avoid all temptations to exaggerate achievements at the risk of being caught.
Show Your Best Side – A positive online footprint could be beneficial to your livelihood so showcase yourself in an optimistic light. Make sure to audit your online presence!
Limit Your Digital Baggage – Your online interactions are adding to the information that exists about you. What do you want all this digital content to reflect? Manage your digital footprint!
As young professionals begin to climb the corporate ladder they should keep in mind that photos or comments made outside the workplace can be taken out of context – especially when you befriend coworkers or “like” your company without managing your privacy settings.
