Your online reputation can be a good thing: Research has found that job recruiters respond well to a strong, positive personal brain online. So show your smarts, thoughtfulness and mastery of your interests.

Number 1

Post only about others as you have them post about you. The Golden Rule applies to technology as well.

Number 2

Once posted, always posted: Protect your reputation on social networks. What you post online stays online forever. Think twice before posting pictures you wouldn’t want your parents or future employers to see. Recent research found that 70 percent of job recruiters rejected candidates based on information they found online.

Number 3

Click links with caution. Social media accounts are regularly hacked. Look out for language or content that does not sound like something your friend would post.

Number 4

Always log out of your social media: This is especially true when you're using a public computer at a library or hotel. The reality is that we all have some private information on our social media — even if it's only our name and a photo — and you don't want to give someone easy access to your identity.

Number 5

Don't post an abnormally large amount of random stuff. The more information you post, the easier it may be for a hacker or someone else to use that information to steal your identity, access your data or commit other crimes such as stalking.

Number 6

Don't post specific vacation days. Sure, you may be excited about going to Disney World or Hawaii, but it's probably best to avoid posting status updates that say, "Can't wait to see Mickey in two weeks!", or posting photos with the caption, "I can't believe I'm in Hawaii right now!". Don't let others know when your house will be or is empty. Instead, post photos and share stories after the vacation is over.

Number 7