In a digital era, social media platforms play an integral part in the lives of today’s youth. There are positives that can come from social media. They can learn new skills like cooking recipes, craft ideas, and so on. They can also use social media to stay in touch with friends and family from long distances away, or some may even use social media to launch and market a small business of their own. 

However, there are plenty of negatives to go around like cyber bullying, body shaming, scams, accounts being hacked, or spending too much time on social media instead of building one on one connections or spending time outside.

Youth need to understand the term “digital footprint.” Dictionary.com defines a digital footprint as, “One’s unique set of digital activities, actions and communications that leave a data trace on the Internet or on a computer or other digital device and can identify the particular use or device.” In other words, once it’s out there in digital form, it’s out there forever. I like to compare it to a digital resume. Usually a resume consists of the positive things you have done that you can share with an employer. What you put on social media is a road map of your character and tendencies for a potential employer to look over. Both good and bad things are out there for all to see.

Youth are encouraged to T.H.I.N.K about any social media posts, pictures, comments, videos, etc., that they place on social media. This stands for:

T – Is it True? H – Is it Helpful? I – Is it Inspiring? N – Is it Necessary? K – Is it Kind?

Keeping these questions in mind should guide youth in a positive direction with their social media presence. And if they question if what they are posting is appropriate, then it probably isn’t. It’s okay to have an opinion, or be frustrated, but it doesn’t always have to end up on social media. Be mindful of your online image and the digital footprint you are leaving behind.

For more information on 4-H Youth Development or K-State Extension, call 620-793-1910, email Ben Sims at benjam63@ksu.edu, or stop by the Great Bend office at 3007 10th St. Be sure to follow K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page and check the website cottonwood.k-state.edu for the most up-to-date information about Extension programming.