Are you aware of how colleges are using kids' social media feeds? It's a growing trend that has many parents and students concerned. In this article, we will explore the ways in which colleges are using social media to evaluate potential students and what you can do to protect your online presence.
The Concerns
One of the main concerns with how colleges use kids' social media feeds is the invasion of privacy. Many students feel that their personal lives should be separate from their academic lives and that colleges should not have access to their social media accounts. Additionally, there is a fear that colleges may use information found on social media to discriminate against certain students based on their race, gender, or other characteristics.
How Colleges Use Kids' Social Media Feeds
Colleges use kids' social media feeds in a variety of ways. One common practice is for admissions officers to search for students on social media platforms to get a better sense of who they are outside of their application. They may look for posts that demonstrate a student's involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership roles. They may also look for any red flags, such as inappropriate behavior or offensive language.
Another way colleges use kids' social media feeds is to gauge a student's interest in the school. Admissions officers may look for posts or comments that indicate a student's excitement about attending the college or participating in specific programs. This can help them determine if a student is likely to accept an offer of admission.
Finally, colleges may use social media to verify information provided by students on their applications. For example, if a student claims to be the captain of their high school soccer team, admissions officers may look for photos or posts that confirm this.
Personal Experience
I remember when I was applying to colleges, I made sure to clean up my social media profiles. I deleted any posts that could be seen as controversial or unprofessional. I also made my accounts private to limit who could see my posts. I wanted to present myself in the best possible light to admissions officers, so I was careful about what I shared online.
However, I also know that not all students are aware of the impact their social media presence can have on their college applications. That's why it's important to educate students and parents about how colleges use kids' social media feeds and the potential consequences.
What Can You Do?
If you're concerned about how colleges may use your social media feeds, there are a few steps you can take to protect your online presence. First, make sure your accounts are set to private so that only approved followers can see your posts. Second, be mindful of what you share online. Avoid posting anything that could be seen as controversial or unprofessional. Finally, consider creating separate professional accounts for networking purposes, such as LinkedIn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, colleges are increasingly using kids' social media feeds to evaluate potential students. While this practice has raised concerns about privacy and discrimination, there are steps students can take to protect their online presence. By being mindful of what you share and adjusting your privacy settings, you can present yourself in the best possible light to admissions officers.
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