In one of my classes this week, we discussed the role of social media in our lives. The discussion began with the topic of anonymity and led into a larger conversation of how the use of social media and the Internet can affect the 
likelihood of getting a job.

Students raised concerns of how their personal profiles may lead a future employer to judge them based on images from parties or nights-out from their pasts. Many complained that our parents did not have to be as cautious in terms of their conduct when they were in our situations because employers had less access. It was said that it is not fair that employers are now able to look into our personal lives via our social media. While I can understand the concerns of my classmates, I couldn’t help but wonder why this is such a big issue in the first place.

What appeared to be most concerning to everyone is how what they do on social media will affect their chances of success in the future. But the incredible thing about it is that we are in control of how we present ourselves to 
the public.

I could talk about the various privacy settings of different social media sites and how that can prevent people from seeing too much, but there’s a much deeper and perhaps easier way to alleviate some of the anxiety of trying to keep certain things private. Stop trying to document everything in life and simply enjoy the moment.

I’m not at all saying don’t take another picture. It’s great to have photos to help reminisce later on, but it is even greater to really be in that moment. Make memories of these moments that you share with your friends and savor 
those memories.

Don’t worry so much about how many Facebook, Instagram, and Vine “likes” you’ll get or how many times your picture will be retweeted or taking the perfect Snapchat pictures and videos. The time that you’re wasting with taking the perfect selfie, finding the filter that’s just right, and the caption to tie it all together, including all the appropriate emojis, is the time that you can be making these memories and creating stories to tell your future children about your college days.

This is why our parents didn’t have to worry about employers seeing them in negative light from partying and engaging in acts that may not be suitable for employers. They didn’t document it all and post it to public profiles for the world to see. Instead, they lived the moments, made memories and kept whatever evidence of these moments private for their personal enjoyment or for sharing at their discretion. Social media is a wonderful way to keep in touch and connect with new people around the world, but we cannot let the use of these technological advances take control of our lives. Moderation is key in this regard; we should definitely use social media for the glorious means of communication and entertainment that it is, but we should give it a break when we’re out enjoying ourselves. Here’s to enjoying our time in college and making memories to last a lifetime.

Erynn Williams is a junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies. Her column runs biweekly.