In today’s digital world, it’s too easy to live under a guise of make-believe. In fact, it’s almost expected by certain standards. For good or for bad, social media has changed life as we know it. The way we communicate, the way we shop, the way we live entirely is now centered round social media. What we do, say, express, think or act is now captured online forever. A favorite meme of my generation seems to be “Thank God I was young and did all the stupid things before the internet.” Yes, lucky for us that’s true. Some of us are still slow learners of the permanent effects of our online postings.

As a business owner and an employer, let me give you a few tips on how to keep your social media from toxically ruining your future.

Be Thoughtful And Positive With Your Social Media Posts

Keep it tight and clean. No one wants to see trash talk filled with profanities. Many of us are guilty of letting a few slip our lips on occasion, but seeing it in writing over and over isn’t a pleasant reminder. While character is much more important,your reputation is one of the most valuable assets you have. Good character will usually lend itself to a good reputation, but don’t let a careless moment destroy something you’ve taken years to build in good standing. There have been many potential employees whom I inquired about among mutual friends whose response was often, “Well, she certainly has a lot of drama on Facebook!” or “She posts the most awful things on Snapchat!” Red flag and see you later. Drama doesn’t belong on social media and it certainly doesn’t belong in the work place. If you are my employee, you are the face of my business. As a business owner, I’ve invested too much time, energy, and money to jeopardize my investment on someone who’s reckless. I want to put the best face forward. That means I want those who have a positive image and reputation representing me.

Don't Always Leap To Use Social Media Platforms

Just because Facebook gives you a platform to be heard doesn’t mean you should always leap to use it. In life you will find that you learn more by listening than talking. Facebook has proven this to be true. Certainly not everything you read on social media and the internet is factual. You can’t right all the wrongs in the world. Pick your battles wisely and don’t air them on social media. I have seen business ownersdestroy their reputation and their business by picking senseless and judgmental fights in affairs they had no business butting into on Facebook. I have seen many girls lose a bid for a sorority because they couldn’t control themselves online.

Social Media Is Not A Laundromat

Social media is not a laundromat, so keep it clean. If you wouldn’t say it or do it in front of your grandmother, don’t post it online! Regardless of what you think or what you’ve been told, once something is online it is like being on your “permanent record.” It’s out there and it NEVER goes away. While social media has revolutionized the world as we know it, as helpful as it can be, it can equally be just as damaging. Make a difference for the good. You have a choice to use your social media powers for good or for evil. Make the right and thoughtful decision.

Jamie Darling is a sixth-generation Delta dweller from East Arkansas. An entrepreneur, traveler, music lover, and adventure seeker, Darling is an advocate of the Mississippi River Delta region. She is the owner of Darling's Fine Things in Newport, Arkansas. She resides in both Tuckerman and Stuttgart, where her husband is involved in his family farming operation. She is mom to her yellow lab, Macks.

Follow Jaime on her blog Deep In My Delta Soul.