10 Things You Should Never Post on Social Media

Social media has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Internet users are using social media to connect and communicate with their friends, loved ones and new people all over the world. Social media has also become an excellent source of information. This exchange of information concerns not only useful and informative news but also the kind of information that isn’t of much use to anybody.

Instead of communicating with other people through private messages – yeah those things do exist; a lot of people prefer to make their feelings and thoughts available to a wider audience or better yet the rest of the world.

But, considering that the content that you post on your profiles can be easily accessed by potential recruiters, your employer, or even your mum or dad, there are just too many things you are putting at risk. As a matter of fact, you should not post anything on social media that you wouldn’t want to stay there forever. Once it goes viral, there is nothing you can do about it.
So, here is a list of the things you should never post on social media for your own sake:

01. Pictures of You Drinking Alcohol

While it is generally considered to be okay to hold a glass of wine – and pretend you are drinking, it is not at all fine to post photos on your profile where you look completely wasted. It’s neither pleasant or professional.

02. Stealing Content

In case you didn’t know, social media has its own referencing rules. Whenever you are using someone else’s content, you should provide attribution to the original source. This is crucial especially if you are trying to brand yourself or business.

03. Job Talk

Don’t ever write how much you hate your job on social media and don’t even consider badmouthing your boss or colleagues. If that happens, you have a good chance of getting fired.

04. Relationship Issues

Nobody cares if you are in a relationship, have broken up or whether love has made things more complicated for you. Everybody has been there and knows what it feels like, but they didn’t make this private information available to the public.

05. Your Money

Just like you shouldn’t talk about your job online, you should not post pictures of your money or details of your bank account on social media. It’s just common sense. If you post this type of content, you are just increasing your chances of getting robbed!

06. Nude Photos

You would think that this was obvious, but you would be surprised to know how many people are so in love with themselves and their body that they want everyone to see it. Unless this has something to do with your career in the entertainment industry, you might want to keep these photos to yourself.

07. Vacation Details

Sharing information about your vacation e.g. location and dates, might be even worse than posting photos of your money. This is essentially an invitation to burglars that goes something like this “I will be away from home during this time, so feel free to make my home your home.” It gives a whole new meaning to “mi casa es su casa.”

08. Childhood Photos

No matter how cute you think you looked when you were a kid, it’s best that you avoid those embarrassing photos of you as a child. Also, when it comes to someone else’s baby, you should be careful about what you are sharing e.g. names, faces.

09. Strong Political or Religious Opinions

There is no point in sharing your political or religious beliefs if you are going to defend these in a brutal way. This kind of content can easily be misinterpreted and make you look like an intolerant fanatic. It also doesn’t help endear you to other people.

10. Curse Words

This is highly inappropriate, offensive and at the very least unnecessary, so it is best that you leave these out of your posts. Curse words can do more harm than good, by ruining your online reputation and even damage friendships.

Considering the potential pitfalls of social media, you might want to think carefully about what you are posting online. You may be putting your online reputation in jeopardy, a fact which can be catastrophic as this has become a crucial part of your identity and the way other people see you.

What kind of content do you share on your social media profiles? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below…