Before we move forward, let’s talk about digital reputation.
Anything you post online can be used against you in a court of law. Teachers have been fired for posting inappropriate comments and images on social media (see the National Education Association’s Social Networking Nightmares article).
You may be thinking, “that will never happen to me!” But, with smart devices in our hands and widespread Internet access, it’s easy to post in the heat of the moment (think: “My students were throwing temper tantrums today. They are such babies…pls help!”). It’s also easy to retweet something that may be controversial or inappropriate.
It’s important to understand that anything you share online can be quoted, appreciated, or judged. And, there may be consequences, either positive or negative. What you post online can even influence whether you get a job, as Dr. Torrey Trust notes: “It’s a common practice nowadays for an employer to look you up on the Internet before an interview” (Trust, 2016, para. 1).
Before you post or retweet anything, use the “grandmother rule” (e.g., would your grandma approve of you saying this to others?). Also, even though you are not communicating with others face-to-face, etiquette rules still apply – talk to others as if you were directly engaging with them. Be polite and courteous. Admit that disagreements can happen, but that they can be handled through politeness and respect.
Moving beyond the legal issues, what you post online shapes your digital reputation. “Your digital reputation is a compilation of all of the mentions and instances of you on the Internet” (Trust, 2016, para. 2). Your digital reputation may influence whether others add you to their PLNs, whether people seek you out for ideas, support, or opportunities (e.g., to sit on panels or co-author a book), and how others may interact with you.
We strongly recommend you to take a look at Dr. Trust’s digital reputation site to learn how to build and maintain a healthy digital reputation.
