First Jobs: So, What’s Your “Digital Tattoo?”

BiB Contributor | George Howell

There’s not really much guesswork involved in getting a tattoo. No doubt, it can be a painful process, but millions people grin and bear it each year because it’s something they’ve always wanted. It’s all about making a statement – about politics, religion, or even personal experiences. Some choose small, discrete tattoos. Others may want an arm or chest piece – something that will really stand out! Anyone who gets a tattoo usually knows going into it that some people may like what they see, and some may not.

Take a moment to now consider your “digital tattoo.” We all have one. Whenever you select things you “like” or update your facebook status; whenever you tweet, blog, or upload pictures and video; you are creating your own distinctive digital tattoo. There really aren’t any right or wrong answers about what you should or shouldn’t post online. It all depends upon what you’re trying to accomplish. Just know that, like the real thing, some people may like your digital tattoo and others may not.

If your goal is to start your own business where you are only accountable to yourself, then you can pretty much say or do whatever you want online! Some of the best blogs I follow thrive on individualism and self expression. If, on the other hand, you are trying to find work in a corporate setting, you may want to rethink the boundaries of what’s appropriate or inappropriate to post.

Employers can and do search the Internet for your digital tattoo when making decisions on whether or not to hire. They may also initiate disciplinary action against you, should you post something inappropriate or embarrassing (even through your personal accounts) that can be directly linked back to the place where you work.

New websites, like Spokeo.com, make it much easier for background check-ers to find your digital tattoo. Spokeo crawls facebook, twitter, etc., in search of pictures and personal information, and aggregates all of the information into one easily searchable site. Dubbed “not your grandma’s phonebook”, you will be shocked to see what Spokeo knows about you! (A great source for journalists to use, by the way. Check it out! There is a way to opt out at the bottom of Spokeo’s site.)

With so much information so easily accessible, I think it’s especially important for journalists to think twice about what they publish. Posting opinions, personal information, and even some pictures can be risky business for news gatherers who are traditionally expected to be unbiased. When your personal leanings are as easy to find as running a google search, you’ve compromised your own credibility as a journalist. Political action groups are always looking for ways to dismiss journalists as biased, and their reporting as flawed.

As social media continues to blur the lines between public and private information, there is also a safety risk broadcast journalist must consider as public figures in their communities. Revealing too much personal information makes it much easier for overly obsessed followers, and even stalkers to learn more about you than they need to know.

The bottom line – think about what you publish before you publish. Make a plan. “Life-casting” without limits can be professionally damaging, and even personally dangerous. There is less of a distinction between public and private. Your digital tattoo is fair game for anyone to take, and even use against you.

Sometimes the words we say – or publish – can be used against us. If you’ve never heard the old expression, “hung by the tongue”, take note of it. Some people shoot themselves in the foot because of the things they’ve put out into the world that they can’t take back. Sometimes, a little discretion goes a long way. Be careful.