The H.A.C.K.E.R. Project

The new year is a time for new beginnings, which of course includes the famous New Year’s Resolution. While the new year has already been upon us for a few days, it is possible that you may still be looking for a resolution, or perhaps you have broken your previous resolution and are looking for a new one to take its place. For this year, and every year to follow, perhaps consider “thinking before posting” for your new resolution. If you are reading this after the new year, do not fret; this advice lasts all year round.

Being Mindful of What You Post

The concept is self-explanatory: before you post anything to social media (or, anywhere on the Internet, for that matter), stop, think, and ask yourself a few questions.

• Is this really worth posting?
• Am I ok with people seeing this?
• If this is a more professional social media profile or application (such as LinkedIn), is this post professional?
• Does this post truly reflect what I think, feel, or believe?
• Am I sure that what I am posting is true and accurate?

If you answer “no” to any of the previous questions, then it is probably best to refrain from posting.

• Am I posting this because I am angry, upset, or sad?
• Am I posting this to upset someone else?
• Am I purposefully trying to spread misinformation?
• Is someone else trying to get me to post something, even though I really do not want to?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then it is probably best to refrain from posting, especially if your post is emotionally driven. Give yourself a day or two to think; if, by the end of a day or so, you no longer feel the same way, then there is no need to make that post. If someone else is trying to get you to post something against your will, you are under no obligation to post it.

Your Posts Might not be Private

Furthermore, whenever you post, keep in mind that your post might not be private, especially if this is a new social media account. Many social media applications default to having all posts be public. Thus, make sure to go into your social media account settings and ensure that your post privacy settings are set to how you want them to be. You may be able to control which of your friends or followers can see your posts. For example, on Snapchat, one can create a private story that only certain people are able to see, or, on Instagram, one can make their profile private so that only their followers (which have to be approved) can see what they post.

In addition, it is not a good idea to add your professional colleagues, professors, bosses, or other management as friends or followers on your personal social media profiles. While your friends may enjoy seeing your New Year celebrations, it may not be appropriate for your boss or professor to see.

You Cannot Delete the Internet

As humans, we are not perfect, so it is inevitable that we may post something we regret later on. If that is the case, then delete, remove, or otherwise hide the post. Keep in mind, though, that you cannot delete the Internet. Once something is posted to social media, there is no guarantee that you can completely remove it from being online. While it may be gone from your profile, it is likely still saved by the social media platform. Taking screenshots or screen recordings is simpler than ever, so it is possible that anyone could have a recording or photocopy of your post. The safest bet is to not post the regrettable material in the first place.

Keep this especially in mind when sending material that may be inappropriate or contain mature content. While it is never a good idea to send this type of material, it is inevitable that some people will. If you choose to share this sort of material, keep in mind that you never truly know where those photos, videos, or messages may end up, especially if you do not know the recipient (as this can leave you vulnerable to blackmail or extortion).