Rx: Twitteritis

Twitter is an open playground for celebrities and the general public. Unlike most social networks, Twitter allows one to instantly follow one's favorite celebrities without a friend request acceptance. However, can using this social network site cause Twitteritis? Twitteritis, as defined by Urban Dictionary, is the condition that arises when one becomes diseased with sharing every aspect of what they are doing all the time, everywhere. Society has become addicted to celebrities and reality stars. “Close to 90 percent of them are female...Young women have always looked to the celebrities of their time as role models,” Bonnie Fuller who is editor in chief for HollywoodLife.com said, “It used to be that they were primarily interested in them as style and beauty role models, but they're also interested in the lifestyle choices celebrities are making.” On the Early Show, Lisa Bloom, lawyer and author, conducted primary research to discover that college women could not name how many wars the United States is in but could name all of the Kardashians. On March 3, 2011, Charlie Sheen won the Guinness World Record for reaching one million followers on Twitter in the fastest time. By using Twitter, one can live vicariously through almost every aspect of a celebrity's life. Is the general public obsessed with Twitter or are celebrities? Can celebrities become addicted to tweeting?

John Mayer, singer-songwriter and music producer, joined Twitter and quickly gained 3.7 million followers in January 2010. Mayer was an active Twitter user. He would reply to his adoring fans and gave away tickets to many of his shows. Mayer, who became famous in the early 2000s for his talent on the guitar and soulful voice, did not always know how to keep his mouth shut. He found himself involved in many controversial situations. During an interview with Playboy, Mayer used the n-word. Soon after he used Twitter to apologize to his fans. Mayer wrote in a series of tweets, “I am sorry that I used the word and it's such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it because I realize that there's no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged.” He also updated his account with inspirational quotes and his whereabouts throughout the day. However, Mayer might have spent a little too much time on the social network site. Jennifer Aniston ended a relationship with John Mayer in 2009 because of his Twitter addiction. According to The Telegraph, “A source claimed Aniston decided Mayer was not committed enough to her and called time on their romance having found hourly updates on his Twitter page.” Mayer even tweeted after the break-up with Aniston, “This heart didn't come with instructions.” On September 14, 2010, John Mayer tweeted his last tweet. It read, “What does this button do?” Mayer claimed he was leaving the site because he needed to be spending more time writing music. Others may say he was quitting an addiction.

John Mayer is not alone but possibly smarter than a lot of celebrities for actually deleting his account. Maybe he is #winning? Charlie Sheen along with Kim Kardashian, P. Diddy and Ashton Kutcher are a part of the most active Twitter users. These celebrities are constantly tweeting about a new business venture, product, family outing or new style trend. For example, Kim Kardashian tweeted, “Starting QuickTrim today! Its officially summer. I want to really get in fab shape! Whose with me?” Is it the general public that is obsessed with Twitter or is it celebrities?

Carl Gustav Jung said, “Every form of addiction is bad no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism.” Celebrities tweet about their “perfect” lives with their family and friends. Celebrities have turned to Twitter to endorse themselves and gain a larger fan base. Twitter is another marketing tool along with other social networking sites and campaigns. Can a celebrity over-tweet and become addicted? The only cure to Twitteritis may be when the next social network trend comes along.

What happens in Vegas, ends up on Facebook?

Do college students understand the difference between private and public? Can a picture, status update or candid video cost a future graduate a job? Facebook was originally a closed circuit and safe social network site. In 2005, a college (.edu) e-mail address was required to join the network. However, the rules of Facebook have drastically changed. High school students, professors, potential employers - and even some of our parents - now have Facebook accounts. What should a college student make “public” on Facebook, if anything?

It may be obvious to say that most college students have attended a party or event where pictures where taken. The saying “a picture says a thousand words” is true. But those “words” can hurt you, especially in the job market.  How would one explain to an employer a keg stand picture, risque outfit or illegal behavior such as drug use?  Facebook users may not be aware that job employers actually monitor social network sites.  In my current internship at Sugar Heaven, the general manager routinely screens the social media profile of job applicants - before and after hiring.  Professional jobs require professional candidates.

What image should a college student present of himself or herself on Facebook?  Here are some guidelines that I have developed for college students who want to enjoy their social network and not damage their professional reputation:

Do not use profanity. Status updates, such as quotes or song lyrics, should not contain profanity. For example, no one, except Jay-Z, should be telling the Facebook world that they have “99 problems but a b*tch ain't one.”

Do not post racist comments. Keep personal opinions, especially controversial ones, private.

Privacy settings. Check privacy account settings often on Facebook, because they constantly (and sometimes quietly) change. Make sure all settings are set to private for only “friends” or a certain group to view.

Do not post or be tagged in incriminating photos. Yes, the party might have been unforgettable, but maybe it should be forgettable to the Facebook world. Pictures of alcohol consumption (especially illegal underage consumption), explicit photos, sexual dancing, or drug use should not be included in a photo album.

Do not accept random friend requests. Not everyone that has a Facebook account wants to be a “friend.” Be careful and safe when accepting friend requests. View mutual friends and identify the person's identity before confirming his or her friend request.

Do not gossip, “Save the drama for your mama.” Do not make status updates about a boss or fellow employee. Posting something on Facebook is like putting a red shirt in a white load wash. The red may fade, but it will never disappear.

Relationship Status. “It's not official until it's Facebook official.” Do not post every aspect of a relationship on Facebook. There are only two people involved in a relationship. Keep this part of life private. An employer does not want to see an employee kissing his or her significant other in Hawaii after he/she called in sick the day before.

Facebook litmus test.  When all else fails, in the new social media world, ask yourself what your mother would think if she read or saw your Facebook - because she just might.