As an actor, if you are going to be on social media and have a strong online presence, it is important that your social media reflects how you want to be seen as an actor and an artist. You need to be able to show a united front when it comes to whom you are and how you want to be cast. If you look like a Disney princess (or like someone who would be cast in a lot of kids TV shows and movies) then it would be unwise of you to have a lot of hardcore photos on your social media accounts. If you are someone who looks that way, but enjoys the more hardcore things of life (like motorcycles, chicken bones, and spikes, also, is this even a type of person?) then your account should be private.
     No matter how we all feel about “type casting” it is something that happens regardless. It is something you can fight and complain about, or use to your advantage to book you more jobs and get you in the door more frequently. This is how I would suggest using it, because the former way is just upsetting and not something that can make your life easier or better. When you allow yourself to be put into a certain type more easily, you make it easy for a casting director to see a breakdown and think of you immediately for that role.
     Your social media can play a big role in getting you the recognition as a certain type or part. It is easy to see this in action when you look at any one Instagram from a celebrity who is on a major TV show right now. Riverdale on CW, School Of Rock on Nickelodeon, Stranger Things, these are all shows that have prime examples of their cast being exactly who they need to be to keep the fantasy of the show alive at all times. In a way they are “type casting” themselves as the role they already are, but in another way, they are just promoting themselves and their show even more.
     So consider this next time you are posting something online that you are not positive the next Casting Director you audition for will be thrilled to see. Post whatever you want to on social media, but if it is something that will be in direct conflict with how you want to be seen as an actor, I would highly suggest making your account private.