Self-control for selfies–Funeral selfies demonstrate need for social media code of conduct

People take photos of themselves in front of open caskets, at gravesites, with pictures of the dead and much more in an atrocious trend known as “funeral selfies.” Yes, you read that right, funeral selfies. There’s a whole Tumblr account, Instagram feed and Facebook page dedicated to people who take selfies at funerals. They even put up ridiculous descriptions.

The widespread use of social media is why it’s mind boggling that our generation has yet to follow a simple code of conduct to prevent things such as funeral selfies.

The act of taking funeral selfies is so morally wrong it makes my gut hurt. Selfies are solely used to show off yourself and your peers. It’s only to gain attention for the person who took the photo. That’s why it’s called a “selfie.”

A funeral is the last place for someone to try and earn attention for him or herself. Unless you’re the dead body in the casket, the funeral is not about you.

There are so many reasons why college students should watch what we put on social media. The main point of social media is that everyone in the whole wide world can see what you post. I don’t care what your privacy status is on Facebook, if there’s a will there’s a way. Anyone can find out whatever they want about you online. This includes friends, family, teachers, campus staff and potential employers.

That picture of you and your buddies with a bong, that’s going to show up at that next big interview. That picture of your fifth martini and your duck face is going to standards chair. That vulgar post you made about how much you hate what’s going on in Washington D.C., your political science teacher is reading it.

Everyone has the right to their own life, to do what they want and be themselves, but that does not mean the rest of the world needs to see what you’re up to all the time.

Discretion on social media is key to surviving the world after college.

According to a recent article by The Guardian, 45 percent of those involved in hiring staff for companies said they use social media as tools for recruitment, which included screening candidates based on their profiles. Another 40 percent surveyed said they also use a hired employee’s social media for future reference.

As a member of the millennial generation, I have often found myself regretting a post or being tagged in an unflattering photo. Recognizing these mistakes is the first step to cleaning up one’s social media image.

So the next time you’re out with your friends for a few drinks, put your phone away. If you’re feeling angry, step away from the computer in order to avoid a post you might regret later. Let your friends know what you do and do not want to be tagged in.

It’s time for our generation to take responsibility when it comes to the power of social media. Put the phones away, because some things are better left private. Danielle Wiley can be reached at [email protected]

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