One of the findings that was found in the latest Pew Research Center’s study involving new emerging technologies such as social media is the fact that users on various social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to name a few are becoming more aware and conscious of the reputation management element of an online presence.  Here is a great info graphic on how to protect your online reputation that was first posted and shared on Mashable.  Here is another great image focusing on tips of how to manage your online reputation effectively both as an individual and as a professional.

Reputation Online Tips from SocialWayne.com

People are more aware of what they are posting and sharing online, as well as looking at who their true “friends” online.  One of the emerging trends that the report was also noting was the fact that people were unfriending some of the people in their networks across social media platforms.  If people are not unfriending their friends, they are at least trying to untag themselves from posts, updates, pictures, and videos due to the risk that these may have on their own reputation. Most corporations are aware of their overall corporate reputation, but they may follow suit and increase their activity and surveillance over what others perceive them as a brand and those who represent them in the community.

We are indeed living in a reputation economy – from employers using services like Social Intelligence to look at online activity for future employees to agencies and firms like Reputation Rhino announcing their services to protect individual’s reputations online. While all of these are considered to be new trends and practices within society – they can be addressed by having as my grandfather used to say – one set of manners.

The issue with people being concerned about their privacy and reputation online could be due to the fact that they act one way in person, and another online.  It is key to be consistent with all of your interactions and conversations – offline and online.  Having the awareness that what you post will not only be able to be viewed by others not only in your friend circles and community members in the specific social network – this information will stay online.

In summary, the best way to defend your reputation is to acknowledge the actions and behaviors that are associated with your reputation.  Thinking before you post and being aware that everyone with a cellphone can take pictures, videos, and share updates online.  In other words, while social media may be about connecting, sharing, and creating information – it is also a virtual and dynamic platform that allows people to make first impressions and associations about you and your personal brand based on what they see through conversations and multimedia.

Hope you all are having a great day!

Best Wishes,

Karen