Social media has become a staple of modern life. From connecting with friends to sharing photos of our daily routines, we rely on social media to stay informed and maintain our digital persona. However, as the use of social media increases, so has the popularity of social media checks. But what are social media checks, and why are they important?

A social media check is the process of scouring one's social media profiles for any information or activity that may be deemed negative or problematic by employers, landlords, or other individuals. It's essentially a background check on one's digital footprint. The rise of social media checks is primarily due to the growing importance of online reputation and its impact on one's personal and professional life. In this article, we'll delve deeper into social media checks and explore their significance in modern society.

The Significance of Social Media Checks

In today's digital age, it's not uncommon for potential employers or landlords to use social media checks as a means of evaluating an individual's character. With the increasing popularity of social media, the days of employers simply reviewing resumes and conducting face-to-face interviews are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Now, hiring managers and landlords can browse through social media profiles to gain insight into an individual's private life, values, and personality.

The information that can be gleaned from these social media checks can vary, but it can include anything from inappropriate photos or posts, evidence of drug or alcohol use, or communication deemed aggressive or derogatory towards others. The potential consequences of social media checks can be particularly devastating to one's professional life. A negative social media profile can cost individuals job opportunities or even result in termination from their current job.

A 2018 study conducted by CareerBuilder revealed that as many as 70% of employers use social media to screen job candidates. With these numbers in mind, it's important to understand the significance of social media checks and take steps to ensure that one's online presence is positive and professional.

The Dos and Don'ts of Social Media

Now that we've established the potential impact of social media on one's personal and professional life, it's important to understand how to create a positive online persona. The following dos and don'ts offer a starting point for those looking to improve their social media profiles:

Do keep it professional. Whether you're applying for a job or renting an apartment, it's important to keep your social media profiles professional. Avoid posting inappropriate content or communicating with others in a negative or aggressive way. If you're unsure about the content you're posting, avoid posting it altogether.

Don't post anything that could damage your reputation. This may sound obvious, but it's important to remember that social media is a public forum where anything you post can be seen by potential employers and others. Avoid posting anything that could be deemed offensive or negative.

Do showcase your personality. Although it's important to keep your social media profiles professional, it's also important to showcase your personality. Share photos and posts that reflect your interests and values, and engage with others online in a positive and respectful way.

Don't overshare personal information. It's important to maintain a level of privacy when it comes to sharing personal information online. Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address or financial information.

Do use social media as a tool for networking. Social media can be a valuable tool for networking and building connections. Follow individuals and companies you admire, engage with others in your industry, and participate in online discussions related to your field.

Don't neglect your social media profiles. Finally, it's important to remember that social media profiles require regular maintenance. Update your profile pictures and bios periodically, and engage with your followers on a regular basis. Additionally, regularly monitoring your profiles for any negative content can help ensure that nothing is missed during a social media check.

The Bottom Line

In summary, social media checks have become an increasingly common method of evaluating an individual's character, values, and personality. To ensure that your online presence is positive and professional, it's important to be mindful of the content you post, engage with others respectfully, and maintain a level of privacy when it comes to sharing personal information. Remember, your social media profiles are an extension of yourself, and they have the potential to impact your personal and professional life significantly. So, take the time to curate a positive online persona, and reap the benefits of social media to your advantage.