"Be who you are and say what you feel...

because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss

Ahh, if only these words were true in every situation.  Unfortunately, when it comes to being yourself online it's sometimes better to show a little restraint.  Your online presence is likely the first impression you'll have on many people, especially when it comes to prospective employers, and you'll want to present yourself in the best light possible.

I clearly remember the day I signed up for MySpace, the first social network I was ever a part of.  It was great.  We got to rank our friends in order, post surveys about ourselves revealing sometimes the most intimate details of our lives and upload all of the embarrassing pictures we wanted.  The best part though, was never thinking twice about any of it.  There was no fear of losing your job over something you posted, worrying about someone tagging you in an unflattering photo or wondering if someone else was using your likeness to catfish.  Ignorance was bliss.

Today, however, the blinders have been removed and most of us have seen first hand how posting something online can have negative effects both personally and professionally.  Managing your online reputation is almost as important as the resume you send in.  After all, once they have your name they're just a Google search away from finding out all the stuff (good and bad) that isn't on that piece of paper.

Who you are online should reflect who you are in "real life"; keeping in mind that not everyone who sees your online self will know you on a personal level.  Keep it real, keep it clean and don't ever post anything you wouldn't want your grandma to see.