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#Business, #Encouragement, #Facebook, #Image, #Internet, #ShannonAyers, #ShannonAyersSpeaks, #socialmedia, #www.ShannonAyersSpeaks.com
We are in a day and age of vast technology that continually grows everyday. SOCIAL MEDIA has become the most used form of communication between family, friends and strangers. Like many others, I peruse through FACEBOOK looking at photos, videos, news stories, and crazy postings that are circulated in a matter of seconds to thousands of people. As I am viewing these items, I see so many different postings that are displayed in incredilbly poor taste and judgement…some from people I know and some I do not know. This makes me ponder on whether or not these people realize the type of image that is being portrayed of them in SOCIAL MEDIA.
We all know at least one person that has lost their job, ruined their marriage or embarrassed themselves along with their families and children. Yet, everyday someone is trying to outdo the latest SOCIAL MEDIA debacle by posting some dreadful image or video of themselves or others. What people do not realize or take into account before indulging in such poor taste is the type of image that is building up over a period of time that may not accurately portray their true personage. This is called media presence.
Please bear in mind that when you interview for a job, put in an application for a loan, or start up a BUSINESS, your SOCIAL MEDIA presence is out there for review. There is no real way to regulate how someone will research you on the INTERNET to see what you are about. If you don’t get the job, they may not tell you that it was due to borderline pornographic pictures that you posted or the vile language you displayed in your postings.
People are going to judge your character and in some cases intellect by the the decisions you make in SOCIAL MEDIA. You just never know how this will affect you in the long run. Your present situation may not appear to be in jeopardy, but in this fiscal climate, things change all the time.
Also, those of us that are parents have a moral and parental responsibility to protect our kids. If you are posting inappropriate IMAGES of yourself or speaking in a manner that would not be acceptable for your kids, think about how they can be affected. Kids have the Internet right at their fingertips and can be exposed to social media with or without your permission.
So ask yourself, is it really worth it? If it crosses your mind to post a picture of your two year old drinking beer, a video of your little girl dancing like Beyonce or a selfie of you in your undies, spare us and yourself the embarrassment by utilizing common sense and self restraint. After all, your future and my sanity depends on it.
Blessings and Inspiration,
Shannon Ayers Speaks
shannonayersspeaks 
It is unfortunate that more people do not take the time to consider what they are posting online for the world to see. (Not to make any excuses for anyone) but it seems that many find freedom behind a computer screen or an app and don’t stop to think about the damage that they can cause with their words or pictures.
And you are absolutely right Shannon, social media allows the world to see into our thoughts often deeper than anyone should, and for this reason we have to be cautious and wise and most importantly teach our children to make good choices as well.
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Anything you say online will forever be known because there is no privacy anymore. People can also take screenshots and share your statuses and opinions to anyone. It all comes down to watching what we all say and making sure not to offend anyone. Plus there’s the chance that employers will view your social media, so that’s not good.
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There is no privacy anymore. Everyone is on social media, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or some other social site, our interactions are different. There’s no emotions behind a block of text. Social media is also a forum for friends to converse with one another. There are many people who play it safe on social media, then there’s the people who aire their dirty laundry for all of their friends to see.
If anyone wants a personal image to not be tainted, it’s best to just not use social media in a very personal way. Talk to friends and family, that’s fine, I’ve had a fair share of idiotic posts on Facebook that I went through some time ago. I could probably go back and delete some of the dumb things I posted, but people would have still read the statuses, some may forget while others will remember.
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Tonya,
So true. Social media should be used responsibly. What’s unfortunate is that the perpetrators are usually people of mature ages that lack the maturity of mature ages. Thanks for reading and do read again.
Blessings and Inspiration,
Shannon Ayers Speaks
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People definitely need to learn to be a lot more careful when it comes to keeping their social media presence to a acceptable level. Employers looking at social media profiles for behavior indicators is becoming a more common thing, and having the internet at the finger tips of children is ever so prominent with the use of portable devices.
People think that social media websites are free form where they can post their opinions as judgmental or innocent as they may seem but do not take into account the ripples that these decisions will make for themselves and others who view them.
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Chantelle,
Thank you for your post. People don’t realize the damage that are doing and can do with how they behave on social media. It can have long term and catastrophic results if not handled with wisdom and care. If we don’t monitor our kids’ use of social media, we provide a great opportunity for them to set themselves up for future failure. Thank you for reading and please comeback and read again.
Blessings and Inspiration,
Shannon Ayers Speaks
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I noticed that you mentioned watching your social media presence while raising your children. I would like to include watching your children’s social media accounts as well. This is not an invasion of privacy or overbearing, it is all about protecting the youth from making the same mistakes some of us have made in social medias infancy.
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This is a valid point, Brenda. So many parents are creating identities for their children without thinking through the present or future ramifications. I also see what you are saying, you must monitor the content your children put on their social pages as well. When I first got a Facebook there was nothing to do on it , it was useless. Now everyone is over sharing and ruining some poor girl in Nebraska’s life for speaking out against abortion.
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Shelia,
Absolutely! Kids are treated as adults these days and given too much freedom and autonomy with their young lives. Too much too soon. We are setting them up for failure. Social media is a great resource but if not handled appropriately it can be a weapon, a bully, and a haven for voyeurs. We have to treat our kids as precious cargo that should be guarded well. Thank you for reading my post and for your comment. Please read again. Be blessed!
Blessings and Inspiration,
Shannon Ayers Speaks
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Brenda,
Great point! I remember getting into a conversation on Facebook with another parent who argued that it should be okay for young kids to have a Facebook account starting at the age of 9. My argument was that adults are having a hard time being responsible on Facebook what does she think a kid would do and be exposed to. Even teenagers should be monitored when it comes to social media. My 13 year old has already experienced both my husband and I spot checking her cell phone and text messages. We have 100% access and can shut it down in a heartbeat if there is inappropriate use. So glad you posted your comment. Do read again and thank you for reading my post. Be blessed!
Blessings and Inspiration,
Shannon Ayers Speaks
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This is the best post I have read in awhile. So many people are just recklessly publishing content on social media without thinking about the consequences it may have on their image.
I am sharing this with my FB friends.
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I recently thought about this while looking into my Facebook history. The things that I once published is incredibly horrifying and cringe-worthy. I wish I could take back my “history” but it is already in the web universe.
If anything, I suggest that everyone consciously thinks before posting or commenting online.
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Lucy,
Thank you for reading and being so candid. We all have done things that we wish we could do over or differently. The best lesson is to learn from our mistakes and it sounds as if you have arrived. 🙂 I so appreciate you reading my post and commenting!! Please read again and be blessed!
Blessings and Inspiration,
Shannon Ayers Speaks
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Lauren,
I could not agree with you more. I often read my posts over and over again to make sure my intended purpose is conveyed. I appreciate you reading my post and please read again. Be blessed.
Blessings and Inspiration,
Shannon Ayers Speaks
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