Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, and Vine are only a few of the many social media sites available to anyone with an electronic device and internet. They have become a part of our generations daily life, but does everyone who uses social media remember to use caution before they post on their accounts?

After asking multiple people that question along with similar ones, I realized that almost all the interviewed people said yes, they think before they post, and no, they haven’t ever regretted posting anything.

Those who said yes, to having regretted posted something, had incidents where they accidentally posted something. For example, Morgan L. said yes to the question but only because she “accidentally posted a picture twice and didn’t know how to take it off”

Some people may not post and share a lot on their accounts. For example, Kasey J. said she doesn’t post anything, and that “All my accounts have 0 post.”

For those who are unlike Kasey, and tend to post often here’s an acronym you may or may not have heard of which consist of questions to ask yourself before you post. It’s called the THINK acronym. T- is it true? H- is it helpful? I- is it illegal? N- is it necessary? K- is it kind?

The think acronym is a good guide to use before posting. A few other tips, to remember before posting and sharing, that you may already know but are still important are:

• Never share your password. Although it’s pretty self explanatory, it’s also important to remember.
• Images can (and a lot of times will) last forever. Sites may say that they erase images or videos right after they’ve been seen, but the viewer can always screenshot images or find a way to download videos, so don’t forget.
• Don’t post or share anything when you’re really emotional (angry, excited, sad, etc…). First calm down then think whether it’s a good idea to post/ share it. You may regret it if you don’t.
• Remember that your online actions may have real life consequences.
• If you are sharing a video or photo with someone else in it be sure to get their permission first. Just to make sure they’re fine with you posting it, and to avoid causing embarrassment to the other person.
• Speak up if you or someone you know is experiencing cyber bullying. Cyberbullying is real, and it’s hurtful. If you are experiencing it talk to a parent or trusted adult, and i’m sure they will come up with a solution to try and end it.
• Be respectful and polite. The same applies for online as it does real life be. Be respectful and polite to anyone you happen to interact with online.
• Don’t share/ post personal info. Along with never sharing your password this is pretty self explanatory. Your personal info is yours alone, and sharing it can lead to unnecessary troubles like identity theft or stalking, which may seem extreme but still happens.

These may all seem like no brainers, but don’t forget them or there could be serious consequences. Posting and sharing your life and the things you like is a good thing with a lot of positives to it, but there is also a negative side if you don’t use it properly.