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Learning Online : Social Media
Social Media: sub-module 16 of 16 of learning online: online safety category
Social media is defined as online communities where people communicate and share information and content. Popular examples of social media sites include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn. According to an Angus Reid poll about 89% of Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 use social media at least occasionally. This module will review some considerations you should make when using social media.
Tips
- Think carefully before you post
Anything you share online can last a long time, even after you delete it. Don't post anything you may regret later. - Check your privacy settings
Your content may be visible to more people than you realize. Check out our Privacy page for information on how to control access to your content. - Make a good first impression
Social media isn't just used by family and friends. Many employers are starting to use social media to screen job applicants. - Consider your health
Use of social media can have an impact on our mental, emotional and physical health. You can learn more on our Health and Wellness page
Anything you share online can last a long time, even after you delete it. Don't post anything you may regret later.
Your content may be visible to more people than you realize. Check out our 
Social media isn't just used by family and friends. Many employers are starting to use social media to screen job applicants. 
Use of social media can have an impact on our mental, emotional and physical health. You can learn more on our Activity—Post It or Private: Should I Post It Online?
Social Media and Relationships
- Why Millennials Need To Reduce Social Media's Impact On Their Relationship - Opens in a new windowAn article looking at the impact social media use has on friendships and romantic relationships.
- Teens, Technology and Friendships: Chapter 4: Social Media and Friendships - opens in a new windowIncludes a number of statistics from surveys of teens regarding their feelings about social media and how they use it to connect with friends.
- Meta, TikTok, Others Being Sued. Here Are 10 Ways Social Media Can Hurt Kids’ Mental HealthAccording to a recent 60 Minutes episode, over 1,200 families are now pursuing lawsuits against Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and other social media companies.
- Why Gen Z Is the Loneliest Generation…Ever?An article and accompanying video detailing the reasons why some researchers are calling Gen Z the "loneliest generation"
Your Digital Footprint
When Social Media Goes Wrong
One Bad Tweet
- How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco’s Life - opens in a new windowThis article describes the problems and consequences of one poorly thought out message on Twitter
Fired Because of Social Media
- 14 Canadians who were fired for social media posts - opens in a new windowInappropriate or poorly thought out social media content can have consequences in the workplace.
Reflecting on the Examples
You've now read some examples of the consequences of sharing inappropriate or questionable content on social media.
Have you ever posted something online that you later regretted? If you could change it, would would you do differently?
Social Media and Job Searching
- Number of Employers Using Social Media to Screen Candidates Has Increased 500 Percent over the Last Decade - opens in a new windowStatistics and details about which employers use social media to screen job applicants and what they look for
- Creative Ways to Get Noticed by Employers on Social MediaArticle discussing how to stand out to employers in a positive way.
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