Chapter 5 of “The Internet” was an interesting exploration of many forms of user-generated content that I use regularly, and some that were completely new to me. Based on what was covered in earlier chapters about the history of the Internet, it didn’t surprise me that the first type of this content developed was both news/information based and exclusive to a college institution. In terms of how I interact with online content, most of my attention is directed toward newsfeeds rather than subscriptions or mailing lists, with the exception of current events information. With the Internet full of countless news sources from around the globe that vary in credibility & bias, I have placed e-mail subscriptions to a few platforms and writers that I trust, while trying to keep my social media feeds clear from such topics. I both use and post in most of the other types of user content discussed, including blogs, photo sharing, video sharing, and podcasts. My family was particularly fond of the term “Godcast” for a podcast covering religious topics, and I know I’m going to hear about it for at least the next few Sundays.

I believe that protecting one’s online reputation was the most important topic covered in this chapter. Knowing that schools & potential employers can view your pages and/or posts should remind you to think twice before making a statement. Checking a statement’s validity, tone, context, and need before posting it can save a great deal of trouble later. However, from personal experience, I’d also argue that there is a fine line between an employer doing productive research on an applicant or employee, and the denial of the right to free speech. A friend of mine from New York was both harassed and fired by their employer because of an online photo showing them at a political event. Requiring an employee’s online interaction be respectful and appropriate is one thing, but managing their personal life and beliefs outside of working hours is unacceptable.

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