The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

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The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

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Students’ revealing posts: from risque “selfies” to 4/20 tweets

On a recent lazy Wednesday night, I decided to explore my Twitter account for a little bit. I’m not a frequent user, but I wouldn’t classify myself as a complete stranger, either. While scrolling through the list of people who were following me, I came across a woman who looked oddly familiar. Too old to be a friend, not a family member… Could it be… No… wait… it is…. A PARAPRO?!

Almost everyone has a Facebook or Twitter these days. With this comes the misuse of such sites and potential viewing by authoritative figures. More and more it seems that people are disturbingly more comfortable with what they post online. This can be especially dangerous in an online world in which anyone can access your online activity.

You can tell a lot about a person through his or her online profiles, such as: relationship status, extra-curricular activities, (both good and bad) popularity level, you name it. Granted, most of us grew up with the ‘you should never judge a book by its cover’ mentality, but what if that book’s cover photo is of them half naked with a red cup in one hand and a cigarette in the other?

I’ve noticed a huge difference in the comfort level people have with posting statuses, pictures, tweets, captions, etcetera relating to drugs, alcohol and sex–the three biggest no-nos. I understand in high school that that stuff is everywhere, but why promote it through outlets such as Facebook or Twitter?

Maybe I’m just apprehensive because of this whole Parapro deal, but I’m not the only one who’s noticed a change.

“When I was a freshman, I don’t remember any of that being posted on Facebook,” senior Jordan Synnestvedt said regarding the content of drugs, alcohol and promiscuity from South students on Facebook. “This year, looking at some of the freshmen that pop up on my newsfeed, it’s like what the [heck] are they doing? […] It could be because I was just oblivious [freshman year], but it totally looks like it’s getting worse.”

If you’re one of those people who tries their best to not care what other people think, well, then, good for you, but what happens when you apply for a job, or in the near distant future, college? I don’t think the head of admissions at U of I will be too impressed with your “selfies”–chest exposed, tongue out and middle finger up. Keep it classy, not trashy.

Speaking of school boards, the last I checked, GBS has really strict rules for getting caught with a picture online relating to drugs or alcohol, especially if you’re involved in a sport. I know everyone’s just so impressed with that beer can that you have in your profile picture, but how cool is it going to look when it’s sitting on Dean Bean’s desk?

My main concern is the fact that people suddenly have the impression that they won’t get in trouble for promoting drugs and alcohol. If the rules at South haven’t changed, then neither should your profile.

And while our administration won’t go out looking for pictures of you doing a keg stand, the community and school we are a part of thrives off of competition. What’s stopping the underclassmen who want your spot on the football or soccer team from sending in a picture they find of you on Facebook? Do yourself a favor and don’t give them the opportunity.

If you do get tagged in a picture that you wouldn’t want your grandma seeing, ask someone to take it down, or at the very least, remove your tags from the photo.

That being said, unless there’s actual proof of a picture or post relating to drugs or alcohol, try not to assume the worst. Now, I am all for expressing yourself and wanting to show the world who you are and what you have to say, but it’s beyond annoying when people use that as an excuse to publicize themselves for all of the wrong reasons.

For what other reason, aside from seeking attention, would you post a black sensor box over your hand in your profile picture, or better yet, a tweet on 4/20 stating “Happy Holiblaze”.

In fact, I’ve seen a video of my history teacher with long hair playing the fiddle on YouTube, and that’s something he can now never live down! (Nor would I let him). So, make sure whatever it is that you post online, you wouldn’t mind your boss, grandma or boyfriend’s mom seeing. Eventually, we’ll all have a past, but don’t let your crazy teenage years determine your future.

 

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