High school students learn unintended consequences of online posts

The Missouri Attorney General’s office reiterated the importance of thinking twice before posting information on the Internet at a Catholic high school Thursday.

Many hands were raised during an assembly where the principal of Father Tolton High asked students the question, “Who uses the Internet every day?”

But many of those hands dropped when asked if their behavior online is always appropriate.

One sophomore said she wasn’t fully aware that information she posts on Facebook, which has one billion users, could be seen by many unintended audiences.

“Facebook is able to take my information and use it in ways I didn’t realize, like make money from my personal information, name, my pictures. It’s kind of an uneasy feeling,” said River Remis.

Connor McCarty, a junior looking into colleges added, “You got to watch yourself, especially with college coaches looking to see what your online persona is as part of the consideration process.”

“You’re capturing a moment that is going to be relayed to the universe forever. Think about that, think about that,” said Tom Durkin, education director from the AG’s office.