In a recent edition of ASDA News, an article was written
about the Do’s and Don’ts for a dental student within the realm of social
media. This article outlined the importance of maintaining a social media
presence, but also warned against various pitfalls that can be overlooked by
today’s dental students when interacting with social media outlets. Since we’re
sure that most of you maintain a Facebook page, and a few of you may even be
avid Twitter addicts, we thought it would be important to outline some of the
various Do’s and Don’ts as outlined by ASDA here:
Social Media Do’s
Keep Some Things Private – not everything you do
needs to be shared on a social media outlet. You need to remember that once you
hit “Send”, whatever information you are sharing becomes public knowledge. Try
to think about whether or not you would want your future patients to see what
you are about to send out into the online world before pressing send next time
Be Honest – You never know who might be looking at
your profile at any given time. It could be potential employers, residency
directors, the dean of your school, or even a clinic patient. Try to keep your
information up-to-date, and maintain an accurate reflection of yourself on your
social media pages.
Have an Online Identity – In the age of social media,
it is important to maintain an online identity. It can help to separate you
from the pack, and shows that you are up-to-date and adaptable to new
technology. It is always important to stay connected and “in the know” about
your future profession and social media provides an easy outlet to do just
that.
Social Media Don’ts
Less May be More (When it Comes to Friends) – Keep in
mind that people scanning through your profile can access a lot of information
through your friends, and even more if they are friends of your friends. At a
glance, having an extravagant amount of contacts could mean one thing or
another to an employer, so try to maintain connections with only those people
you feel comfortable sharing personal information with.
Don’t Evangelize – Try not to share personal,
religious, financial, or political beliefs on social media. They may give away
more about your personality that you think, and those that do not know you
personally may be offended or taken aback by these views, which could cost you
a job, patients, and, ultimately, money in the long run.
Don’t Post Party Pics – Sharing pictures from a party
is simpler now than it has ever been. One touch on your phone, and the pictures
from Friday night at your friend’s house or at the bar could be all over your
social media scene for anyone to see. Think about if the images you are sending
out reflect you as a dental professional, or you as a candidate for a job or a
residency. You are entering the professional world now, and professionals don’t
“Duck Face”.