This thought exercise is a good thing. At least the question is now being asked.
A big part of the caution is that almost everyone who has ever posted anything has a few comments they are not too proud of.
I think soon, there will be a general Internet-Amnesty, aka
a Policy of Forgiveness for most very old and dated postings.
Since leaving home at age 17, I have said good and plenty of remarks privately that I would not want following me through life, like a gauntlet of rowdy ghosts.
There needs to be a general social agreement that most people should not be held accountable for most statements made after a certain period. Maybe 5 years.
They most certainly should not be losing jobs or reputations over it without being allowed to update their remarks.
who would be stupid enough to post anything like that under their REAL name?