Instagram, SnapChat, Tik Tok and even Facebook can be a great way to keep in touch with friends you meet along the way but when used inappropriately it can result in an early departure from your host country. In general, consider how the following guidelines apply to life. They can and do affect future jobs and can negatively impact people’s perceptions of you.

Additionally, Social media and websites where users from around the world can share everything from their political views to what they ate for dinner, infiltrates every corner of our world today. While a majority of it is perfectly innocent, there have been times that the wrong words or even images have created a firestorm.

The Internet is PUBLIC.

Remember that. So even when you think you are posting something privately, once it is released into the Internet ether, it is out of your control and potentially can be used against you in the future. Your host family, new friends, Rotary Clubs and even future employers may be able to access your private posts through friends. They will have access to your stuff. Keep it clean.

Remember that social media is public, even if you restrict the privacy settings. If you are ever in doubt of this, think back to all of the private social media posts that were made public when someone commits a crime. The government (and other agencies) may have access to this in advance of employment, so keep it clean. And, even after you start, you will likely make friends with others, who will have access to your past posts, including that wild party where you were tagged. Keep it social, yet keep it clean.

What to NEVER post on social media:

Profanity – The language you use on social media is usually the same type of language you’ll use when casually interacting with people. A minor four-letter-word once in a while isn’t a crime, but do you want that to be part of who you are, even among friends? Keep it clean. Better yet, eliminate profanity from your online and offline vocabulary.

Abusive Content – Social media can be a great place to share opinions, but if your feed is full of arguments and rants, you may come across as an overly negative person, not the kind of employee companies want in their office. No bullying.

 “Adult” Content – A snapshot on the beach is probably fine but it’s alarming how many people think nothing of posting photos of themselves in their underwear (or less!). Provocative photos and text posts, even if they only happen once, could paint you as a party animal or an abuser of alcohol or drugs. This may taint who you are in the eyes of your host family and club. Perception is reality. The Internet is a public place, even when you think you are sharing privately. So, before posting a selfie, consider if you are OK with being seen like that by other students, adults, and again potential employers.

Offensive Content – Racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination should have no place in your life. Even if you’re joking, think twice before sharing something that could be seen as bigotry. And then don’t share it.

Negative opinions about your teachers, other students, parents, etc. – Just don’t – It will come back to haunt you.

Drug related content

Poor grammar – Forget about dangling participles and comma splices. If you don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re”, it’s time to learn. Communication, and written communication in particular, is an important part of professional life.

Poor spelling – Like poor grammar, poor spelling makes you look unintelligent. Spell check helps but how many typos do you let slip through when you post on social media?

Threats – No, it’s not OK to threaten others, no matter their position. Wishing someone ill, whether it is a friend, family member, colleague, politician, celebrity, whatever. If you don’t like someone else, social media is not the place to be hurling threats of any kind.

Clean Up Your Social Media 

Do any of these categories remind you of posts you have made in the past? Seek them out and delete them. If you’re not completely sure, take the time to review your profiles and posting history.

Are you Paying Attention? Do we need to be more clear??

When it comes to Rotary, all the above applies and it is good to keep in mind:

  • Remember the Rotary rules and do not post things that indicate you are breaking them
  • For example “Got all 4 Ds in 2 days. It was fun.” – The student thought they were being clever but it was still obvious what they meant
  • Do not post negative comments or personal details about your host family or host Rotary Club volunteers
  • When you comment on a friend’s post or picture it will become a part of your news feed and all of your friends will be able to see it
  • Don’t get involved in other people’s inappropriate posts or pictures – you can get in trouble even if you did not originate the comment or picture
  • Even if you are not Facebook friends with adults, remember some parents monitor their teenager’s Facebook account and they will see what you write
  • So don’t write anything you wouldn’t want your parents to see!
  • No Driving – Don’t even post pictures of yourself behind the wheel even if the car/motorcycle/ATV/snowmobile isn’t moving
  • Don’t post pictures of yourself intoxicated or with alcohol even if you are not drinking it
  • We all know what is in those red cups so leave those pictures out too
  • Intimate pictures do not belong on Facebook
  • Your relationship status should not reflect having a boyfriend/girlfriend in your host country while on exchange
  • Only include pictures of yourself and others wearing appropriate attire
  • Go through pictures prior to departure and delete any that may reflect negatively on you

https://collegegrad.com/blog/10-things-you-should-never-post-on-social-media