The internet is a vast place with uncountable posts being uploaded every day. However, this does not mean that what someone posts on the internet goes unnoticed or lost in the internet sea. What someone posts or shares on the internet is not always anonymous, so inappropriate posts, comments or videos can lead to serious consequences. These consequences can affect the person’s life and the lives of others around them.
As technology advances there are many precautions taken to make a workplace safe. One safety measure are social media background checks, social media background checks are used to look for inappropriate content the employee has posted, shared or uploaded. According to Social Intelligence, “39 percent of companies check up on prospective employees’ social media usage. . . 43 percent of those who checked said that information from social media made them decide not to hire someone”. Inappropriate content on a person’s social media could prevent them from getting hired, no job would want an employee who posts offensive content.
Not only can social media prevent someone from getting a job or admission to a school revoked, but also it can affect one’s mental health. Excessive use of social media can have consequences and damage a person’s mental health. According to the “Social Media and Mental Health Guide” by the Help Guide, “Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness.” An unhealthy or inordinate use of social media will lead to bad effects as mentioned before. The internet is similar to a double-edged sword, it can harm yourself or others.
Since the internet is vast, people easily forget how their actions affect others and themselves. One example of this is cyberbullying; cyberbullying is a big problem on the internet and occurs when a person harasses or bullies another while hiding behind a screen. In Enough Is Enough, the author states the following: “One in three young people in 30 countries said they have been a victim of online bullying, with one in five reporting having skipped school due to cyberbullying and violence. 59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, and a similar share says it's a major problem for people their age.” Cyberbullying is a serious problem. A person’s actions on the internet can have an influence over someone’s life and cause the victim to feel unsafe.