Kylie McAllister @smileeyyykylie [Co Executive Yearbook Editor]

In today’s culture, social media is part of every teenager’s life. Instagram, Twitter, and various other social media sites allow people to express their thoughts and opinions. In matter of seconds, people are able to post whatever they wish. While most people chose to be positive over social media, others express thoughts that could ultimately ruin their reputation. What can start off as simple jokes can end up offending others.

Part of the problem with being sarcastic on social media is the fact that the person on the other side of the screen cannot tell the tone of voice that the person who posted it is using. While they may be just joking around, there is no expression that admits this over a screen. This is why everyone needs to be careful and think before he or she posts. If it could possibly offend another person, they should keep it to themselves.

Another rule of thumb is to not post something that shouldn’t be said in front of someone’s face. Hiding behind a screen is cowardly, and ultimately makes the person being disrespectful the smaller person. Whatever a person posts on the Internet will stay there forever. There is an option to delete a post but if someone digs deep enough they will be able to find it.

Just remember, be positive and respect others even behind the screen because a digital footprint will be left.