Having a voice online can be a very powerful tool. At any given moment you can deliver a message, or idea, to millions of people across the world. Sometimes a voice can be thought of as insightful and inspiring. Other times, a voice can be viewed as annoying and arrogant. 

Where should the voice of a college student BE?

Should college students be churning the barrel and stirring up controversy, or should they lay low and try to stay out of it. Personally, I believe they should aim for a sweet spot in the middle.

When we first enter college, we learn new information from our classes and learn life lessons on a daily basis. Our way of processing information becomes different as discussions are encouraged rather than simply needing to remember answers. Once we learn how to debate well, our confidence grows, and we want to share our important new perspectives with the rest of the world.

This is when the Internet can become an outlet to share what you have learned or brag about what you have learned. The difference is simply the attitude you have in your online presence.

Any time you tweet, blog, check-in somewhere, or Facebook, your attitude is reflected in your writing. One way to stay humble is to simply leave the ego out. Although your opinions do have value, you need to earn have the respect of your fellow colleagues and networkers. They are going to ignore a college student who likes to rant and acts like a know-it-all.

A great way to avoid appearing arrogant online is to save all material as a draft and to read them again the following day. While reading over them again, pay close attention the tone that is being delivered. One of the best ways to determine this is to have a friend read it as well. If the tone of the material seems slightly cocky, then go back and fix it.

Remember, you can still have passion and fire in a post without the bad attitude. When you leave the ego out of the writing, you will gain more respect from your network.