I like to think that by adamantly incorporating the word "timeline," Facebook has given a sense of growth to our online profiles and identities. Now, you can scroll through years of someone's photos and comments, and it gives a feeling of looking through a childhood photo-album. So, when skimming over one's teenage years, you can expect some embarrassing content involving braces, prom gowns, etc. When flipping through someone's early twenties, we can usually expect content involving college activities, self-discovery, and beer. Sometimes, lots and lots of beer.
Personally, I don't want to 'delete' my online identity- including the beer, embarrassing outfits, and cries for attention. But, I certainly don't want my random, obsessive bouts with rap lyrics to define me as a professional writer.
Whatever decisions you make regarding your online identity will always work out in your favor.
There are online networks for sharing resumes and professional work. Facebook can be one of those. But, Facebook is also a place to communicate everyday thoughts with friends. We shouldn't be afraid to let the two identities overlap. Company executives and academia professionals are human beings, too. Everyone will judge everything you do whether you like it or not. A photograph or comment could be enough to make someone dismiss you or not take you seriously. But, that's a risk we have always had to run in face-to-face interviews as well. Attractive people make more money and are found more "trustworthy" by the general public.. If you wouldn't play "dress-up" for a job position in real life, why should you online? As for the ".will always work out in your favor" part- surrounding yourself with people who accept your values and share your interests will lead to more opportunities for self-expression and less pressure to save face.
Personally, I don't want to 'delete' my online identity- including the beer, embarrassing outfits, and cries for attention. But, I certainly don't want my random, obsessive bouts with rap lyrics to define me as a professional writer.
Whatever decisions you make regarding your online identity will always work out in your favor.
There are online networks for sharing resumes and professional work. Facebook can be one of those. But, Facebook is also a place to communicate everyday thoughts with friends. We shouldn't be afraid to let the two identities overlap. Company executives and academia professionals are human beings, too. Everyone will judge everything you do whether you like it or not. A photograph or comment could be enough to make someone dismiss you or not take you seriously. But, that's a risk we have always had to run in face-to-face interviews as well. Attractive people make more money and are found more "trustworthy" by the general public.. If you wouldn't play "dress-up" for a job position in real life, why should you online? As for the ".will always work out in your favor" part- surrounding yourself with people who accept your values and share your interests will lead to more opportunities for self-expression and less pressure to save face.
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