Blog

6 Ways Instagram Is Killing Your Online Reputation

6 Ways Instagram Killing Your Online Reputation

Last Updated on August 10, 2023 by Steven W. Giovinco

<h1]]>Before you post that image to Instagram, pause for a moment and think: could it hurt my online reputation?  </h1]]>

If you are like the 300 million active monthly users who upload images, it’s probably never crossed your mind to think much about your posting.  But maybe you should.   Nearly 30% of all US social media users are turning to Instagram, and as a result of this massive uptick in popularity, problems could crop up. 

Although it’s used differently than Facebook, which seems easier to promote poor choices, Instagram still could be prone to “user regret.”  Its time has come, and a mistake here could impact your online reputation in the wrong way. Here are six things to look out for.

1. Job Recruiters Are Looking

Remember hearing about job recruiters or prospective employers that scour Facebook looking for any potential employment blemishes?  They are now turning to Instagram.  As the site’s popularity grows, it becomes a leading resource for employers to check up on you.  

So beware of adding too personal images, such as those containing nudity (which probably will be bounced anyway) or near-nudity, drunken behavior at parties, suggestive actions, etc.

2. Your Boss Could Be Looking

You called in sick with a sudden case of “works” but instead headed to the ball game and posted a selfie in the stadium.  That could be a no-no if the boss finds out or sees your feed.  Although you know who is following you, users can use an alias or add a non-descriptive name to mask their real identity.  

That means you don’t know who is looking at your images, which can be dangerous. Consider locking down security settings so you can approve who follows you.

3. Don’t Offend Clients

Clients or potential clients could get turned off.  Why?  Maybe because you added an image mocking their town, their industry, their hometown sport team, their favorite watering hole.  

Who knows, and to a certain degree, it’s out of your hands which business connection you may turn off. But be aware that it may happen. Instead, try to be more moderate with your views and avoid images that may lead to controversy.

4. Avoid the Snark Comment

Writing a comment to someone else’s image post sounds like a good idea because it is a way to engage with others and show that you are active online.  But what if they take offense to the comment?  Don’t be snarky, biting, critical, engage in arguments, or generally be impolite.

5. Use Your Images

Rephotographing someone else’s images, especially without attribution, could lead to problems, so don’t be tempted to claim a photo as your own if it’s not.  The whole point of the site is to be a showcase for original photographs that you make.  If you are enamored by an image and feel compelled to share it, mention who the photographer is.

6. Show Up in Google Searches

What if someone was so unhappy that you posted an image of them that they took to blogging about it?  Even in a “closed system,” i.e., where some of the above problems won’t directly show up when someone does a Google search on you, they could appear later.  Someone annoyed could quickly turn to Twitter or another website to air their grievances. This then would show up on searches, and your web reputation could be compromised.

Bottom Line: How Instagram Can Hurt Your Online Reputation

To a certain degree, the above may sound like a buzzkill and drain the fun out of Instagram, but be aware that image posts here are powerful, and people take notice. Remember: your online reputation IS your reputation, even on Instagram. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at Recover Reputation.  

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents

Free Evaluation

Feel free to reach out at 347-559-4952 or email steve@recoverreputation.com

On Key

Related Posts

AI Reputation Management Solutions, Process, & Case Study: ChatGPT After Screenshot by Recover Reputation

What is AI Reputation Management and Why It’s Important?

Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Steven W. Giovinco What is AI Reputation Management?  AI reputation management optimizes how people, businesses and brands appear in AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini (Bard). The ultimate goal is to correct  generated answers or images in order to present you accurately and authentically. Since AI is

Get to the Point: What CEOs Need to Know About Online Reputation Management in 2024

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Steven W. Giovinco Get Right to the Point Google’s recent algorithm update is a significant change that could impact your online reputation. The bottom line is that your website traffic might decrease significantly. This article explores the implications for businesses and offers solutions. What is the Recent Google

A Suspicious Text Exchange and the Importance of Online Reputation Management

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Steven W. Giovinco Recently, I received an unknown text. It started with, “This is David from Laura’s Office. Steven W Are you accepting new clients right now?” While the message itself wasn’t overtly alarming, several red flags stood out. The informality of being addressed by just my first

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top