As mentioned in our article 101 Series | Asset Security| Information Life cycle, we, as individuals, must know the importance of managing the lifecycle of our own data/information.

Let's consider social media generated data. Know and understand Life Cycle for the content an individual generates on social media platforms is crucial for several reasons:

Privacy and Data Security: Information shared on social media often includes personal details, such as birth dates, locations, and contact information. Hackers and cybercriminals can exploit this information for identity theft, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities.

Reputation Management: Inappropriate or offensive posts can negatively impact personal and professional relationships. 

Future Opportunities: Content shared on social media can influence future opportunities, including job opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. Employers and business partners often research candidates online.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Different regions have different data protection laws and regulations. By being mindful of the information lifecycle, individuals can ensure that their social media activity complies with relevant privacy laws. This is especially important for data subjects' rights, such as the right to be forgotten under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Avoiding Misinformation and Misinterpretation: Content shared on social media can be taken out of context or misinterpreted.

Emotional Well-being: Unpleasant experiences, such as cyberbullying or harassment, can arise from sharing personal information on social media. Careful information lifecycle management involves considering the potential emotional impact of posts and interactions.

In summary, individuals should be aware of the information they share on social media and actively manage its lifecycle. We hope we have been able to raise awareness.

Source and further reading.

Shahbaznezhad, H., Dolan, R., & Rashidirad, M. (2021). The role of social media content format and platform in users’ engagement behavior. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 53, 47–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intmar.2020.05.001