In a world where we are bombarded with information left, right, and center, critical thinking is just that: critical. If we were to believe everything we read online, watch on tv, or hear in person, the consequences could be fatal. 

Monash University defines critical thinking as “a kind of thinking in which you question, analyse, interpret, evaluate, and make a judgment about what you read, hear, say, or write.” Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgements based on reliable information, notes the university.

When you lack the ability to think critically, and believe everything you read or hear, you run the risk of doing or posting some very stupid or questionable things online. And in turn, ripping your reputation to shreds. What you put out there influences the way people perceive you.

And while you can’t control everything others say, you can manage the content you publish, your responses to feedback, and address defamation to influence the public conversation, warns online reputation management firm Reputation911.

Bored Panda reached out to the founder and CEO of Reputation911, William DiAntonio, to find out more about the importance of keeping your nose clean in the digital age.

"Online reputation management (ORM) is the process of shaping how individuals or companies are perceived online. It involves monitoring digital presence, addressing negative content, and proactively building a strong, credible brand across search engines and social media platforms," DiAntonio tells us during our interview. "ORM combines SEO, crisis communication, content strategy, and privacy protection to ensure that online narratives reflect a person's or company's true reputation."

Reputation911 cautions that social media can be a double-edged sword. Things can go either way, depending on what's posted. As we've seen time and again, content can go viral in a flash on social media, and this isn't always a good thing. Managing your content on social media is critical, warns the agency, and using socials strategically can help with your online image.

"One of the biggest mistakes people make on social media is posting impulsively, without considering how their words or images may be perceived in different contexts. Avoid sharing controversial opinions in a way that invites backlash, disclosing too much personal information, or engaging in heated arguments that can escalate," DiAntonio told Bored Panda.

The expert adds that it's important to remember that even deleted posts can be screenshotted and resurface later. He says it’s always best to pause before posting and ask "Would I be comfortable seeing this on the front page of a news site?"

Reputation911's CEO warns that in today’s digital-first world, a person’s or company’s reputation is often determined by what appears in a quick Google search. "Employers, investors, customers, and even personal connections use online information to form first impressions," says DiAntonio.

"A strong reputation builds trust, credibility, and opportunities, while a negative or misrepresented online presence can result in lost business, damaged relationships, and long-term professional setbacks."

Despite your best attempts, sometimes the things will still hit the fan. If this happens and you find your reputation rapidly heading for the drain, the experts advise that you do damage control as fast as possible. Here's what Reputation911 suggests you do when things go south...

First, do some research to figure out the extent of the damage so you know what you're dealing with. "If a post leads to unexpected backlash, the first step is to assess whether removing it is the best course of action. Deleting a post doesn’t erase screenshots, but it can help de-escalate the situation," says DiAntonio.

"If the reaction is minor, it may be best to let it pass. However, if the post has gone viral, addressing it head-on, through an apology or clarification, may be necessary. The key is to avoid defensive responses that fuel further criticism. Seeking professional reputation management guidance can also help in cases where significant damage control is needed."

The agency advises that if you are at fault for the situation, you need to make amends. This means issuing a statement apologizing for any wrongdoings that have affected customers, stakeholders, and others.

But the experts say simply issuing an apology is not enough. You need to create a long-term recovery plan. If you just say that you will do better, people won’t trust you. Instead, you have to show them that you are doing better, warns Reputation911.

The company says the next step is to proactively communicate any changes you have made to address the issues with your audience. And then to make it a priority to follow through on any commitments you have made. Consistency helps to rebuild trust with your audience, adds the team. But be patient because the recovery process doesn’t happen overnight, and can often take a long time.

We asked DiAntonio what someone should do if they notice negative posts or content about themselves online. "The best approach depends on the nature of the content," replied the expert. "If it's defamatory or violates platform guidelines, it may be possible to have it removed. If removal isn't an option, investing in suppression strategies, such as publishing positive content to push negative results down in search rankings, can help."