It's not just messaging that people should approach cautiously on the internet. Social media are increasingly blurring the lines between our personal and professional lives, leaving us at risk of posting sensitive information that could have ramifications far beyond our follower list.
Just last year, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin found this out the hard way after a video of her dancing and drinking with friends, first posted to a private Instagram account, was leaked to the press. Marin was forced to apologize, and even volunteered for a drug test, after a worldwide media storm came crashing down on her.
Research reveals that nearly 40 percent of internet users between the ages of 18-35 have regretted posting personal information about themselves, and 35 percent have regretted posting personal information about a friend or family member.
57 percent of 18-35-year-olds think people share too much about their personal thoughts and experiences, and nearly that many feel technology is robbing them of their privacy.
Van-Hau Trieu, who is a senior lecturer of Information Systems at Deakin University, and Vanessa Cooper, a professor of Information Systems at RMIT University, who have been studying what drives much online oversharing, believe that when we feel strong emotions, we often use social media to communicate with and get support from friends, family and colleagues.
"We might share good news when we feel happy or excited, or anger and frustration might drive us to vent about our employers," they wrote. "When emotional, it is easy for us to cross the boundary between work and social life, underestimating the consequences of social media posts that can quickly go viral."
Trieu and Cooper have five simple tips for people to avoid oversharing and creating a social media scandal for themselves or others. The first one is to set clear boundaries between personal life and work. So be prepared to set rules, limits and acceptable behaviors to protect these boundaries.
"Let your friends, colleagues and family know your expectations. If someone oversteps your boundaries, raise your concerns. Consider your relationship with individuals who do not respect your boundaries."
Next, respect the boundaries of others. "Don't share photos or videos of others without their permission," Trieu and Cooper said.
"If someone doesn't want their photo to be taken, video to be recorded or their name to be tagged, respect their wishes. Treat others on social media the same way you would like to be treated."
