By Bethany Huber, Contributing Writer
Is she an influencer? An Insta-model? A professional blogger who reviews boujie coffee shops? No, no and no. (Although I do enjoy the occasional cup of joe paired with a delicious North Lime donut.) I am your run-of-the-mill average college student who just so happens to have some tips on how to maintain a professional and Christian social media presence, all while staying sane.
GUARD YOUR HEART AND YOUR NEWSFEED.
Proverbs 4:23 states, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). Do not waste your time or energy keeping up with people or pages that only bring you frustration, bitterness or hate. Following these accounts just to see what someone says or does, knowing you will have a negative emotional reaction to it, brings nothing but negativity to your life. Do yourself a favor and un-follow the account, un-friend that person or do whatever it takes for you to stop obsessing over the latest drama and start guarding your heart from unnecessary pain.
SLIDE INTO THEIR DM’s, NOT THEIR COMMENTS.
I have seen countless arguments unfold on Facebook, Instagram and other platforms that should not have been made public. Did Aunt Susie post another controversial political update that you have an issue with and feel the need to address? Go ahead and communicate that with her, but do it 1) privately and 2) respectfully. This is more professional and allows you to stand up for what you believe, while not making a spectacle out of yourself and the other person. As 2 Timothy 2: 23-25 states, “Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition…” (NASB).
POST LIKE A PRO.
Appearing professional on social media means being appropriate. People who are deemed professional think before they post, comment or follow. Matthew 7:16 mentions that people will be recognized by their fruits. Start posting appropriately and realize that when you are seeking that nice job, people tend to do their research. Will you be happy with what they find?
