A wise man once told me:
“Email is like herpes. Once it’s out there, it can spread to anyone and it’s there forever.”
This is true of all digital communication. Texts, emails, DMs, comments, and even likes can harm you. Be careful with what you put in writing, and assume it’s never going to stay private.
Anything you put out there at any time can be used against you. A post from ten years ago can cost you your job. A picture from fifteen years ago can cost you your reputation. A “like” or a comment from two months ago can harm your ability to earn money. Point is, if someone is out to get you, the larger your digital footprint, the more they can use against you, even if what they find was intended to be harmless.
These are unchartered waters. Past generations didn’t have to worry about the foolish things they did in the past coming back to hurt them. We live in the age of transparency. Everything is out there and everything “sticks”. Be responsible with your words. Be selective with what you decide to put in writing. Guard your privacy with all your might.
– Your Big Bro