What Your Online Presence Says About You: Social Media and the New Background Check
In a world where nearly everything is shared online, your digital presence can speak louder than your resume. Whether you’re applying for a job, renting a home, or even entering a new relationship, chances are someone is looking you up online—and what they find could have real consequences.
At Investigations America, we conduct professional background checks every day, and one of the first places we often start is the internet. Social media, public forums, and online databases have become powerful tools in the private investigation world. But you don’t have to be a professional to search someone’s name and make judgments based on what’s publicly available.
The New First Impression
We used to say, “Dress for the job you want.” Now, we might say, “Post like your future employer is watching”—because they probably are. A recent CareerBuilder survey found that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidatesduring the hiring process. Even more telling, 54% of employers admitted they’ve chosen not to hire a candidate based on what they found.
It’s not just employers. Landlords, school administrators, and even potential dates often do some digging before making decisions. In some cases, we’re contacted by concerned parents, business owners, or even brides-to-be to run background checks on people who seem too good to be true.
What We Actually Look For
Professional investigators follow strict legal and ethical guidelines. We focus on what’s relevant, verifiable, and lawful. When reviewing social media or public online content, here’s what often stands out:
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Inconsistent or misleading personal information
(e.g., claiming a different name, age, or work history than what’s on an application) -
Evidence of illegal behavior or substance abuse
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Posts or images involving violence, hate speech, or discrimination
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Harassment or inappropriate communication
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Signs of financial instability, scams, or fraud-related activity
You might be surprised how much can be uncovered in just a few clicks. Public Venmo transactions, online reviews, Reddit comments—everything contributes to the digital footprint.
What You Should Be Checking
It’s not just about others checking up on you—you should be regularly auditing your own presence, too. Google yourself. Look at your social media profiles from a stranger’s perspective. Would what’s visible raise any red flags? Ask yourself:
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Would I be comfortable with an employer, client, or coworker seeing this?
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Is there any outdated or inaccurate information still visible?
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Do I have privacy settings enabled where appropriate?
Even old posts can resurface and cause damage. A harmless joke from 10 years ago might not be viewed the same way today.
Can You Really Be Judged by a Post?
Yes—and no. While one silly tweet shouldn’t define you, patterns of behavior online often reflect deeper truths. That’s why background checks, when done professionally, include multiple data points: criminal records, work history, reference interviews, and more. Social media is just one piece of the puzzle—but it’s an important one.
We’ve seen cases where people lost job offers because of public comments, missed out on housing due to aggressive posts, or even ended relationships when social media revealed a double life.
How to Take Control of Your Online Narrative
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Clean up old content. Archive or delete anything questionable.
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Update your privacy settings. Don’t assume platforms protect you by default.
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Separate personal from professional. Consider using different profiles or usernames.
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Showcase the good. Volunteer work, certifications, or hobbies that reflect well on you.
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Be authentic—but mindful. The internet has a long memory.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, your online presence is an extension of who you are. A background check isn’t about digging for dirt—it’s about uncovering the truth. And in a time when truth is more accessible than ever, being proactive about your digital image isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
If you need help conducting a professional background check or want to understand what your digital footprint says about you, contact us at Investigations America. We see what others miss—because what you don’t know can hurt you.