Conducting one’s self appropriately online seems like common sense. However, it has recently come to my attention how students, young adults – and yes, even professionals – simply have not yet realized the depth of the risk involved with posting and publishing to social media. What seems like common sense to many of us is simple naivety to so many others. And what’s worse is that the majority of schools today are not doing what they can to educate today’s youth on this vital subject. Perhaps this is because the majority of educators are just as clueless? Either way, proper management of one’s online reputation / personal brand is absolutely a subject that must be incorporated into today’s curriculum.
Teaching students proper online reputation management
This needs to include:
- Understanding the reach and impact of one’s online reputation
- Understanding the consequences of not posting or publishing responsibly
- Developing a strategy for one’s personal brand (this should start in late high school / early college years and be developed to benefit the student’s scholastic and professional career)
- Implementation of this long-term strategy
There is no reason why students should be this clueless. Developing an online reputation / personal brand begins with one’s first Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter account – and let’s face it, it’s safe to assume that every student in North America has some sort of presence on one of these platforms.
I’ve watched young University students publicly post something incredibly damaging to their Facebook page without realizing the detrimental impact it could – and would – have on their reputation, including chances at furthering themselves in their scholastic careers. As bright as they are, they simply did not know to think of the consequences of their actions and they were left with the unwavering repercussions.
One’s online reputation is one’s reputation and it’s unjust to leave today’s youth ignorant on the subject. It’s time for us to teach them about their responsibilities. Online reputation management needs to be a part of today’s curriculum. Point final.
Note from the editor: I’m willing to help any way that I can. If you work for an educational institution and would like to further discuss this important subject, please reach out and get in touch with me. – Melissa
Author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, Melissa Agnes is a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted keynote speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. Learn more about Melissa and her work here.
Well said!!!
Jim Rohn said:
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."
Since, when I went to college, there was no such thing as the Internet, can you guess which side I come down on? I make a dandy living consulting with businesses on ORM — about exactly what you propose — and other things to do with their online presence. Sorry, but I think there's much to be said for self-education.
I'm all for self-education. The truth is that I wouldn't be where I am today without it. However, students today have grown up with social media and the web. They tend to feel entitled to their opinions, thoughts and being able to share them on a whim with the entire world. Unless they learn the hard way (which can result in lost opportunities for their future) they NEED to be taught the importance and impact of their online reputation. I'm talking about 15 – 22 year olds. I'm not talking businesses or professionals that you provide consultation services to.
I've seen first hand what seriously intelligent young adults can do to royally mess up their future out of pure naivety and ignorance on the topic. That ignorance is there simply because no one taught them. Long-lasting and serious mistakes are being made because they are sincerely unaware. This is not acceptable. In today's connected and real-time world, kids – our future professionals – need to be educated on these realities. And this needs to be, in my opinion, a mandatory part of their education.