Diary of a Gen-Z Professional: What is a Finsta? What is a Fwitter?
Finstas (Fake Instas) and Fwitters (Fake Twitters) are the online diaries of the internet.
What’s a Finsta? What’s a Fwitter?
Many Gen-Zers have personal, public facing accounts on Instagram and Twitter. But, there’s a private, secretive realm of “fake” accounts where the same users share informal, unpolished parts of their lives. These posts can contain personal anecdotes, stupid jokes, and/or content considered inappropriate for a professionally-facing channel.
Applying for jobs in the age of “finstas”
As young adults apply for professional opportunities, there’s a growing pressure to keep their digital footprint work-friendly. Most hiring processes don’t just rely on the interview — a google search can be the make or break towards candidate selection.
In my opinion, there should be an assumption that employers will do a quick search to qualify (or disqualify) a prospective hire. Keeping your outward facing internet profiles clean should become an instinct.
While I don’t suggest lying or creating an inauthentic persona — I believe there’s a sense of self-preservation to kick in.
The Allure of Secondary Accounts
The appeal of having a fake instagram “finsta” or fake twitter “fwitter” is enticing. This private account, with a silly name and fake avatar, provides a chance for social media users to let go of the need for curation and simply post unabashed, honest takes to a select group of chosen followers.
The channels provide a break from the curated portion of the internet and allow for candor between a select few.
While this inner-circle brings a sense of connection, one must remember that while these accounts can be private — they are not impenetrable. A follower can take screenshots of a wayward post and distribute any incriminating pieces.
These profiles are not fool-proof. Therefore, anyone engaging on them should be aware that there are ways for the posts to be tied back to them.
All in all, I believe that finstas and fwitter have a place in the internet discourse — but use them wisely.
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