Dukes Going Digital: Managing your Social Media

by: brea DellaFave

Photo Curtesy of Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels

Most likely, if you’re a JMU student, you’re on at least one social media platform. From TikTok doomscrolling and Instagram memes to LinkedIn networking, social media is an integral part of college life. However, what you can post can follow you far beyond the Quad. That’s why learning how to manage your digital presence is a critical skill for not only your time at JMU, but also your post-grad career. 

Your social media profiles are an extension of your personal brand. Future employers, professors, and even admissions staff can take a peek at your accounts. That doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself, just try to highlight the good stuff. Share that organization you joined, the service project you’re working on, or the internship you secured for the summer. Highlighting your achievements makes a bigger impact than you think. 

We’ve all had that moment where we almost hit the post button and then gave it some more thought. Trust that judgment. Deleted posts are never truly gone, and methods like screenshots make posts live forever on the internet. A good test is if you wouldn’t want your parents, professors, or future boss seeing it, then maybe don’t put it out there. 

Social media doesn’t have to be just memes and for you page rabbit holes. It can actually be used to your advantage. Join JMU Facebook groups to find events, follow organizations that interest you, or connect with Dukes on LinkedIn who are working in fields you hope to go into. Social media can be a tool for opportunities if you use it with intention.

Another way to stand out is by curating your content to reflect your passions and career interests. Follow accounts related to the field you're interested in, share relevant articles and posts, or create posts about projects you’re proud of and want to show off. Over time, this builds your digital footprint to tell a consistent story about who you are professionally and what you value. Even small interactions, like commenting on a classmate’s achievement or sharing a local nonprofit’s event, can help you establish yourself as an engaged and informed member of your local community.

Finally, remember to take breaks and set healthy boundaries with social media. The pressure to stay online and keep up can be exhausting, but stepping away helps you focus on your goals and mental well-being. Use tools like screen time limits or schedule designated unplugged hours to reset. When you return to your feeds, you’ll engage more intentionally, and that deliberate approach will make your online presence more authentic.

Being a Duke means showing off your best self, both on campus and online. Social media isn’t going anywhere, so you might as well make it work for you, not the other way around.