In light of certain members of Iowa State University’s Navy ROTC program recently having posted “explicit photos on a Facebook page,” this Editorial Board would like to remind all its readers to be wary in their use of social media.

When consuming and engaging in social media, be aware that you represent more than just your own self. Though this is a reason in and of itself to be cautious — 60 percent of employers report using social media sites to vet potential candidates — be mindful that you are a student at Iowa State University (also likely a member of one or more university organizations) and therefore represent more than just yourself or your own interests.

Be responsible, respectful and engage in common sense behavior. Though it may be taking things a step or two too far to “not post anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see,” as one maxim states, be aware of who might be reading or seeing your internet doings.

Take a look at your recent social media activity. Are these things you could see yourself saying in real life? Are these things you’d be comfortable others associating with you? If you find yourself answering no to these types of questions, or, at the very least being unsure, then it may be worthwhile for you to make a change.

Social media has become such an integral part of all our lives. By all means, it allows for incredible communication. Likewise, it allows for incredibly worthless and incredibly negative, unproductive or even harmful communication in many cases.

What those certain members of Iowa State’s NROTC program recently did was entirely inexcusable. And while you may be fully confident in your never doing anything to this extent on social media, it is likely worth your time to re-evaluate your use of Facebook or Twitter or whatever else. Be aware that the internet is no less an accountable space of discourse as is the classroom or any other public space.

Any piece of communication you stick your name on is a piece of communication you might eventually have to answer for. This is what is included along with all the manifold benefits and possibilities of the internet and how we use it.

To act as though this isn’t the case is a recipe for disaster — however private you believe your use of the internet and social media may be, be aware that there is no ultimate preventative security. These NROTC cadets had probably believed their Facebook posts would never make it out of their immediate group, but such was obviously not the case.