Issue Date: May 3, 2009
Ask columnist Dennie Hughes your question
Embarrassing online photos
My friends and I posted very embarrassing video footage one night after too many drinks. I'm graduating soon and worried it could resurface, especially because I know that human resources people are doing Web searches about potential candidates. What can I do about this?
P.M., North Carolina
Heavy sigh. Marriage and family therapist Karen Child Ogden says about a third of young adults ages 20 to 26 and 20% of teens have sent or posted naked or semi-naked photos and/or videos of themselves without thinking there could be consequences. That's especially likely when fueled by drugs or alcohol.
Many think they are safe because they are not actually identified. But all it takes is one person to recognize you and bring it to a current or potential employer's attention. And with today's job market so tough, it could be a deal-breaker between you and another candidate.
Although Ogden says there are ways you can minimize the damage (e.g., if a friend has the video posted on his sites, get him to remove it), I have a better idea: Launch a great offense so that this video "oops" moment doesn't have to put you on the defensive down the road. Fill your Facebook, MySpace and other personal sites full of great things you're doing. Start volunteering and blog about it. Remove any sexy pics and put up some travel shots instead.
Bottom line: Make it so the first info that comes up in a Google search is a great reflection of you.
www.usaweekend.com/09_issues/090503/090503relationtips-embarrassing-picture.html
