Did you know, 75% of HR departments must research candidates online before deciding. Another survey found that half of all users of dating apps search for someone before meeting up for a date. 

What people see when they Google your name can make or break opportunities. And with the rise of cancel culture, the permanence of digital footprints, and the unpredictability of viral content, it’s time to be more mindful of how you spend your time online. 

Here are the dos and don’ts of managing your online reputation.

Google yourself regularly
Have you ever Googled yourself and felt shocked about what showed up? 

It’s important to remember what people see when they search for your name. Sensitive information, like your address and phone number, could be readily available. You might also see old posts or accounts that no longer represent you. 

Do a quick Google search and review your social media accounts every few months. This will give you a sense of your online image and whether anything needs to be addressed.

Keep your social media profiles PG
Your social media profiles are often the first thing people see when they search for you online. 

It’s natural to want to capture and share the exciting moments in your life with others. But you don’t have to share everything. Those embarrassing videos when you had one too many can come back to bite you. 

Even if your profile is private, your profile picture and bio are often visible to everyone. Make sure they represent you well. Clean up posts that may appear offensive, immature, or not reflect who you are today.

Be mindful of privacy settings
Would you leave your window open all day, every day, for your whole neighborhood to see? This is what it’s like to have every post and picture on your social media accounts public. 

Be sure to adjust your privacy settings on social media accounts. 

Not everything needs to be shared publicly, especially if it’s personal or could be misinterpreted. However, avoid assuming that anything you post is ever genuinely private—screenshots and shares happen, so be careful what you’re sending.

Ground yourself before posting
Avoid posting when you’re angry, upset, or highly emotional. It’s best to step away from any screens during these moments and cool down.

What you say online can quickly be taken out of context, affecting your relationships and job prospects. Remember, the internet has a long memory. Deleting a post doesn’t necessarily make it disappear if it’s been screenshotted or archived.

Don’t engage in online drama
Online gossip, arguments, and drama are like junk food—they taste good in the moment but have nasty aftereffects. 

You don’t want to be associated with petty conflicts that can damage your online reputation. Stay above the fray and avoid getting dragged into negative conversations. If someone attacks you directly, take the high road. Instead of engaging, report the content or mute/block the user.

Less is more
Oversharing can make you vulnerable to identity theft, hacking, or worse. Be careful with what personal details you post publicly, such as your location, workplace, or financial information. 

Don’t share intimate details about your personal life, such as relationship drama, family disputes, or emotional struggles. Social media isn’t the place to vent or look for support. Instead, seek support from your close relationships.

Leave the past behind – or better yet, private
We’ve all said and posted cringey things in the past. Unfortunately, these old posts, tweets, and comments can come back to haunt us. People often dig through years of content to find problematic or embarrassing material. Review and delete content no longer aligning with your current values or the image you want to project.

Your online reputation matters
In today’s interconnected world, people are likely to check out your online presence before meeting you in person. Employers, friends, and potential partners all turn to the internet to form opinions, making it essential to manage your digital identity proactively.

The good news is that with a little attention to detail, you can shape a positive, authentic online image that reflects the best version of yourself.

- Forte team