Something I grappled with when I first started graduate school was managing my online presence, particularly when it came to social media. Since like most graduate students I wanted both a personal and a professional online profile, I became really overwhelmed. Why does this matter? Good or bad, a quick Internet search is how most
people start collecting information about you. So, if you are teaching, seeing clients, running a research lab or preparing for the internship or job search process, the information out there needs to show your strengths and be accurate.
Here are a few of the guiding questions I have developed for managing my online presence.
What does Google say about me?
Google yourself first to see what is out there. Search variations or common misspellings of your name. It is important to know what is online about you so that you can clean up mistakes and be sure that the data you want out there are showing up. To make this search most effective, conduct it from a Web browser that you do not frequently use.
What is the best social medium for me to use?
It seems like every day a new social media platform is popping up and they all have different features. Do a bit of research on what each platform offers, how the users interact with each other and how this social media fits in your life. Consider if you want to use the platform for personal or professional purposes, and use what fits your need. If you have difficulty capturing your thoughts in 140 characters or less, Twitteropens in new window is not for you. If you aren't a frequent photo snapper, Instagram is probably not your jam. If you are looking for a place to connect with other professionals and not see hundreds of cat photos, LinkedIn might be your new home.
Am I secure? This is my No. 1 question when I dive into something new online. I suggest using the highest privacy and security settings and disabling location services when you first sign onto a particular type of social media. Spend time navigating the platform, setting up your profile and understanding how it works before opening up the privacy settings. #safetyfirst
How can people find me and who do I want to be able to find me?
Most social media make you searchable by the real name you provide, your user name, and/or your email address linked to that platform. Keep that in mind as you set up your accounts. I have one email I use for social media that helps me be less searchable, and I don't use my full name on sites so clients are less able to find me. Also consider how you want to be found in the future on social media and secure your username now. You may not be @DrAwesome right now, but you could be soon, so snag the moniker you want before someone else does.
Does it pass the "grandma test"?
Before I post anything, I consider whether I would want my grandma to see it. Would it make her proud? Generally speaking, if the answer is no, consider a different way to post or delete it altogether. This is also a good question to ask when cleaning up what is already out there.
I recommend that all students Google their names and conduct a cleanup once a year. To do that, go through each social media account to detag or delete any posts, pictures or videos you no longer want to be associated with. Also, update the profile or about section of all platforms with any new information. And contact the webmaster of any websites listing inaccurate information (a quick Google search of "manage your online reputation" has great instructions). The winter holiday is a great time to tackle this. And be sure to connect with APAGS on Facebookopens in new window, the gradPSYCH blog and now Instagramopens in new window (@apagradstudents).