Dear Heidi on the internet,
I wrote this letter to tell you that the online world is an infinite place. Everything is temporary (an Instagram post stays relevant till you post a new one), yet everything is also permanent (nothing is ever truly deleted once it is placed on the internet). So I want to tell you to live freely online, but don’t overshare. What I mean is that you should never hide or pretend to be something that you are not. Don’t filter yourself for the benefit of others, don’t live on social media how you think they want you to be. Also do not believe everything you see online: not the news, not the gossip and especially not the posts that people make on social media. Their lives are not perfect 24/7 like they want you to think. Everyone has bad days, everyone has big and small struggles. So never feel like you have to live up to someone. Express yourself and be creative. Leave YOUR digital footprint, don’t imitate someone else’s.
While you have to be yourself and be open, never be too open. Don’t get too personal and don’t post anything when you are angry. Once one person sees it, it is already out there. These days people take screenshots faster than they can think of a reason to take that screenshot. Predators are also everywhere. Protect yourself and your family, think before you post. People are always on the lookout for someone vulnerable to target. This also counts for trolls. Do not get caught up in a debate with online trolls. They have anonymity, enormous amounts of free time and nothing to lose. They can say what they want, when they want and their one goal is to drag as many people as they can to their attention.
The internet is a place for opportunities and success, but also a place for lies and failure. It depends how you use it. Nowadays you can start a business anywhere online, even on social media. You can grow from one supporter to thousands overnight. Take these opportunities seriously, they can get you very far. There are so many chances for learning, take the time and do it. Follow the Youtube tutorial and read the article. You won’t lose anything, just gain knowledge you never knew you would need. Start selling things online, you will never know until you try. Just be careful of scams and lies. So many people target online users for their own benefit. Do your research before you accept any random job or send someone a starting fee for a business opportunity. Also be careful what you post and who is going to see it. Do you want your future boss, your parent or yourself in 20 years to see that photo? No? Then do not post it.
Don’t let the lure of online fame and success take over my (real-world Heidi’s) life. Stay connected to the real people close to you. Don’t lose your material body and mind to a virtual one.