Counsel #6 — Permanency

Picture: Counsel #6 — PermanencyCLi 16.1

Permanency is the idea that once something is published online, it is very difficult to remove it completely. This is because the internet is a vast and distributed network, and copies of your content can be stored on servers all over the world.CLi 16.2

Even if you delete a post from your own social media account, it may still be available elsewhere. For example, someone may have taken a screenshot of your post, or it may have been archived by a search engine.^{[13]https://www.normantranscript.com/news/once-on-the-internet-always-on-the-internet/article_4bb953b0-8804-11eb-9bad-c7b05bdeb4cc.html}CLi 16.3

Think carefully before you post. Once you post something, it is very difficult to control how it is shared and used. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable with your post being seen by everyone, including your future employers, teachers, and family members.CLi 16.4

“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.” Proverbs 13:16 NLTCLi 16.5

“We cannot be too careful of the seed we sow by our words. Often words are carelessly spoken and forgotten, but these words, for good or ill, will bring forth a harvest.” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p. 294CLi 16.6

Reflect: In what ways could your posts damage your reputation or make it more difficult for you to get a job in the future? Are you aware of the privacy settings on your social media platforms?CLi 16.7