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Social Media gets criticized greatly.\u00a0 In reality, social media is an amazing tool for athletes when used the right way! It is important to educate younger athletes on how to use social media to learn, grow and be a positive influence on others.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Posts on social media are public and are seen by teammates, fans, opponents, and coaches. It is in the public and anyone can get a hold of these posts. Many athletes don\u2019t realize that the content posted on the internet can last forever.\u00a0 Content can be captured in screenshots or saved by other users. Social media and all of your profiles are like your personal digital resume. College coaches absolutely love this because it doesn\u2019t take them very long to see if they want to continue recruiting a player.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Scholarships are not given from what\u2019s posted, but a scholarship can be LOST quickly on derogatory or negative posts from prospects. There are plenty of stories where student-athletes lost scholarship opportunities or have faced legal charges because they posted something inappropriate.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are five tips to keep in mind when posting on social media:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n #1 No DRAMA!!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have drama on your social media accounts, a coach can go ahead and assume that you will bring drama to their program. NO coach wants that! <\/span>So be sure to leave your drama off your accounts. Plus handling your drama over the internet is not healthy. <\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, I see this from grown adults as well. You have a problem, don\u2019t tweet about it, don\u2019t post a subtle picture on IG, or write a passive-aggressive status on FB. If you need to, pick up your phone and call them or set up a time to meet them in person and handle your problems in the old fashion way. The internet and social media are no place to have your drama.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n #2 Show Your Passion<\/strong><\/p>\n Show what you are passionate about. For athletes, this one can be easy. Posting about how much you love your sport is a great idea. Coaches will eat that up! <\/span><\/p>\n You can also post about other things you are passionate about. That lets coaches and other people get to know the real you. Remember this is your digital resume!\u00a0 But you need to also realize that spending too much time on social media can give college coaches the impression that you don\u2019t spend enough time on the important stuff in your life.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n #3 Show Gratitude<\/strong><\/p>\n Show gratitude for your fans, teammates, coaches, trainers, family, friends, etc. This is always a good idea. Coaches like to have players with High Character. <\/span>I know multiple coaches who look for High Character players when recruiting. Obviously they want you to be skilled, but beyond that, they are looking for the intangibles. <\/span><\/p>\n One way to show your character is by using social media as a great platform to let others know that you appreciate them.\u00a0 It\u2019s a win-win. Others get recognized publicly and you are perceived in a good light.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n #4 Don\u2019t Criticize (or Remain Positive, Especially After Adversity)<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t criticize teammates, coaches, fans, parents, opposing teams, refs, etc. Again this is an insight into your true character. So, after close defeats or poor individual performances, you will have negative remarks directed at you through social media.\u00a0 Avoid falling into the trap of responding and instead, focus on how the temporary setback can be turned into a positive one.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n #5 Show Support of Others<\/strong><\/p>\n Student-athletes can provide a positive example for other students by sending positive messages about their peers in other sports or activities at school.\u00a0 Even after a tough loss, congratulating the opposition shows a lot of character.<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a common theme here\u2026be POSITIVE. That will take you so far in life!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here a three rules to put in place to make sure you use social media in a positive way:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0If you are in a negative emotional state and want to post something that isn\u2019t positive then I recommend sleeping on it.\u00a0 Allow a good night of sleep to get your emotions under control.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0If it is something that you don\u2019t feel good about in your gut , then don\u2019t do it.\u00a0 Take a moment to think about the consequences of the post. If you can\u2019t live with these consequences then don\u2019t post it.<\/span><\/p>\n If you feel that your mom, dad or grandma would be disappointed to read it then don\u2019t put it out there.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Please, don\u2019t use social media in a way that can cost you an opportunity that you will regret for the rest of your life!<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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