Goal: Use digital platforms to enhance your real-world relationships and maintain a positive online reputation
Audit Your Current Profiles: Review all your social media accounts and remove anything negative or inappropriate
- Example: Delete old posts with complaints, arguments, or unflattering photos from middle school
- Expected result: A clean digital presence that reflects the person you are now
Share Your Authentic Interests: Post content that genuinely represents your hobbies, achievements, and personality
- Example: Photos from your art projects, sports games, volunteer work, or activities you organized
- Expected result: People see your authentic self and connect with you over shared interests
Engage Meaningfully with Others: Like, comment, and share others' content in ways that strengthen real relationships
- Example: "Great job at the game yesterday!" or "This photo from the field trip is awesome!"
- Expected result: Stronger online connections that translate to better in-person relationships
Use Social Media to Coordinate Real-World Activities: Promote events and gatherings you're organizing
- Example: Create Instagram stories about study groups, post about upcoming school events, or share group photos
- Expected result: Increased attendance at your events and recognition as a social organizer
Practice the 24-Hour Rule: Wait a full day before posting anything emotional or controversial
- Example: If you're upset about something, write the post but save it as a draft and review tomorrow
- Expected result: You avoid posting content you'll regret and maintain a positive online reputation
If you don't get many likes or comments: Focus on quality over quantity - post less frequently but with more meaningful content
If you're tempted to post drama: Use privacy settings to share personal thoughts only with close friends
If you're spending too much time online: Set specific times for checking social media and stick to them
You'll know you're done when: Your online presence enhances rather than detracts from your real-world popularity
- Your profiles accurately represent your interests and achievements
- People regularly engage positively with your content
- You use social media to successfully promote real-world activities
- You've avoided posting anything you later regretted for at least one month
- Teachers, parents, or college admissions officers could view your profiles without concern
Ready for next step? Once your online presence is working for you, you'll be ready to handle the inevitable conflicts that arise in social situations.