Monday, February 11, 2013

Think Before You Hit ENTER


On Friday a story was released in the Des Moines Register about a high school wrestling team who put a picture out on a social media site that caused quite a stir and embarrassment to the school.  You can link the story at the bottom of the blog if you haven't seen it yet.

It's just another reminder of how quickly things spread in this day and age because of the internet and everyone's access to it.  It should serve as a reminder to students, and adults alike, to think before we hit the send/enter key.  Once we hit that key, and our words in an e-mail or posted to Facebook and Twitter, or a picture is posted, we can't pull it back.

This brings me to a reminder that we need to not lose the ability to have a face to face conversation with others if there is an issue.  We shouldn't hide behind the keyboard of the computer, or the keypad of a phone to blast someone and throw them under a bus.  We see athletes from the professional to high school level make poor choices on social media sites that are a negative reflection of themselves and their organization.  We also see parents and other adults involved in negative postings as well and it does nothing but create negative feelings and attitudes. Students, keep in mind that your postings are public records and can be made available to future employers.  I've even known college coaches to request access to a potential recruits Facebook and Twitter accounts.  In addition, employers will routinely do an internet search of potential employees to help in their hiring process.  What you post now may have a direct impact on you in a few years if it doesn't catch up with you now.

Finally, It's really no secret that I believe we should try to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us every day.  I think that should not only go for the words we say to people but also to the things we type and post on social media sites.

"The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back."
-Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby)

Link to DM Register article:

Des Moines Register Sports

#wildcatpride

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