Privacy or publicity?

[Fdsa2495]

With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, linkedin, Snapchat, etc. I think many people can be googled or searched on multiple social media sites. But the big question is, should I publicize everything I do on the internet or should I keep everything private?

I've researched around some forums and it looks like most adcoms will google students before an interview and I mean who doesn't, right? I believe that's what social media is really for. But enough of my belief, I'm wondering if I should make everything private on all my social media before applying to medical school. Or should I keep only professional stuff open to public?

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[WedgeDawg]

I personally made everything as private as possible (though I don't use a bunch of social media sites anyway).

The way I think about it, there's no risk to being un-searchable, but there's a possible risk and really no benefit (outside of very specific situations) to being searchable.

 

[0dee]

I'm glad that the only thing that shows up when you Google my full name is a retired porn star from the 90s....

On a serious note, it's not just about medical school or adcoms, people are being fired for being idiots on social platforms. My suggestion is to keep it as private as possible.

 

[Cookiess]

I would err on the side of caution with regards to social media. You never know if one tiny thing could leave a negative impression for whatever reason.

 

[EaglesontheWarpath]

Honestly if you are worried about your own posts being a problem, just don't post them. Last night's NFL draft is a prime case of "anything you ever post online comes back to haunt you whether it's private or not". Dude lost 7 million dollars because he made the mistake of sending out a stupid video of himself years ago. If something you post could come back to haunt you, or might make you look poorly, just don't post it. That simple. Everything you post online is public, even if you have Facebook on "private" since any one of your friends could easily screenshot your posts and re-post them publicly.

With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, linkedin, Snapchat, etc. I think many people can be googled or searched on multiple social media sites. But the big question is, should I publicize everything I do on the internet or should I keep everything private?

I've researched around some forums and it looks like most adcoms will google students before an interview and I mean who doesn't, right? I believe that's what social media is really for. But enough of my belief, I'm wondering if I should make everything private on all my social media before applying to medical school. Or should I keep only professional stuff open to public?

Example: I have pictures of family vacations that pop-up if you search me on facebook or IG. You'll find pics of my friends, my family, and also a random high school prezis that just have been always there.

Another example: I am a cofounder of a club and if you google me you'll find me in seconds under my school name, on google images, my club name, the number of members and pics of events. Is this good as I sign of proof of my leadership or is this something I should keep private.

No. It just shows that you're involved in a club and possibly have a leading role in it, which adcoms will get if you include it on your application. (Also depending on what type of club it is, could come across as you showing off/being super full of yourself. Depends.)

 

[drab]

This thread made me curious, so I googled myself, full name and nickname. Nothing

It helps as a guy having a girl's nickname. I'm an internet ninja, invisible until I want to be seen

 

[Goro]

I know of people who have been rejected due to really, really stupid missteps on social media.

Accept's rescinded as well.

With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, linkedin, Snapchat, etc. I think many people can be googled or searched on multiple social media sites. But the big question is, should I publicize everything I do on the internet or should I keep everything private?

I've researched around some forums and it looks like most adcoms will google students before an interview and I mean who doesn't, right? I believe that's what social media is really for. But enough of my belief, I'm wondering if I should make everything private on all my social media before applying to medical school. Or should I keep only professional stuff open to public?

Example: I have pictures of family vacations that pop-up if you search me on facebook or IG. You'll find pics of my friends, my family, and also a random high school prezis that just have been always there.

Another example: I am a cofounder of a club and if you google me you'll find me in seconds under my school name, on google images, my club name, the number of members and pics of events. Is this good as I sign of proof of my leadership or is this something I should keep private.

 

[WingedOx]

should I publicize everything I do on the internet or should I keep everything private?

These are the only two options. Only these two.

 

[Lucca]

Everything on my personal social media is private. Private enough that nobody I don't want to will be able to find it. That's the only way to go, imho.

 

[lyana]

Just do not post anything, you would regret later.
My Instagram is public, but it's just nature photography mostly, so I hope adcoms enjoy it

 

[Oh_Gee]

I'm glad that the only thing that shows up when you Google my full name is a retired porn star from the 90s....

On a serious note, it's not just about medical school or adcoms, people are being fired for being idiots on social platforms. My suggestion is to keep it as private as possible.

RON?

 

[Okazaki Frag Grenade]

RON?