Note: This is my 22 year old son Jordan. Typical... doesn't listen to his mom's advice.
Have you ever heard this phrase? Don’t put that on Facebook! Who cannot relate to the fear of someone else revealing a compromising photo, situation or embarrassing tale about you? Before the onslaught of Social Media, our misappropriations were tucked neatly away with the skeletons in the closet but now we are subject to a paparazzi mentality with a click of a button. Where there’s action, there’s Facebook.
What does this mean for the 400 million active Facebook users? Well for some this ability for cyberspace friends to reach into their world is good, others bad and for some just plain ugly.
The Good: Social Media is a powerful tool for connecting people. If used appropriately, a person can expand their reach to global levels. To tap into this benefit simply remember that your actions outside of the digital landscape can and probably will cross over – so take control.
Get in on the pictures you would love to be tagged in but stay away from potential danger shots. From a business stand point you can gain positive exposure by tagging others or you being tagged… especially if you are photographed with a “big player” in your industry.
How cool is it when someone showers you with public praise? You can do the same by using the @ symbol prior to a friend’s name, a group, or Fan Page (hint no space after @). Facebook will automatically create a live link to whomever you have chosen. For example… Had an amazing fun time @National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Can’t wait to go back again next year. This post provides a double benefit. The Cherry Festival gets exposure by being mentioned in your feed and you gain exposure because the post also goes to their feed.
The Bad: Okay it happens. There is that one friend that looks amazing in a picture where the rest of the group appears to all be blinking simultaneously, yet he or she feels compelled to tag everyone. Yikes!
You can always untag yourself to protect the innocent from viewing in your feed. As far as removing from your friend’s feed, that will require a request to your friend. Might I also suggest a Photoshop class for said friend?
The Ugly: Yep saved the worst or best (if you enjoy watching a train wreck) for last. Those unforgiving tagged photos that haunt college kids while job hunting, serve as a catalyst for divorces, or are key factor in someone’s unemployment status. I refer back to The Good for this one – so take control.
Think before engaging in activities that when shared, will run rampant through the Social Media sphere. Your digital imprint does not easily disappear. As I see it you have but a few choices: change your behavior, block that tag wild friend or embrace the bestowed awkward notoriety.
The reasons for the move are fundamentally personal in nature and will allow me to hang with my awesome family so much more. Of course 
If I can be of any assistance now or in the future, I am easy to find. Just ask Google.
