If we're honest with ourselves, we've all violated at least one of the cardinal rules. Some of us may even be friends with constant offenders. Lida Citroen on socialmediatoday.com gives us a friendly reminder of information you should probably refrain from sharing on the internet.
I want to share just a few of my top favorites from her list, but for the complete article you can read it here.
This one was Lida's number 6 faux pas, but it's number 1 on my list. Do not post vague, self pitying comments that are a mystery to everyone. This never turns out well. You maybe disappointed when you're friends don't respond with the clearly wanted response of sympathy. Making your friends try to drag out the full context in which you post is based just screams "pay attention to me!"This next one has effected some of my personal friends. Posting about your job. Specifically, posting about how much you hate your job, or how you are playing hooky for the day, or heaven forbid, personal thoughts on sensitive information about projects and/or clients. This is a sure fire way to find yourself without that job that you hated so much. I guess in firing you they were really doing you a favor.
The last one from Lida's list that really gets my goat is about watching what you say about others. On all platforms of social media, please don't say anything about someone that you wouldn't say to them in person. There is a difference between constructive criticism and cruelty. I have seen online battles of passive aggressiveness wage on for days. These kinds of posts can make you appear as a petty person who doesn't know how to effectively handle confrontation.Social media has given us access to share our immediate thoughts and feelings. While this can be great in communicating efficiently, it's not always wise to post your first reactions. Think through the consequences of your posts, as you know, they can and will have far reach.
These are definitely words to live by in the online/social media universe. Especially the one about posting negative things regarding your job. As we were informed tonight by the two guest speakers, employers look at your social media, and posting such things are not going to make a good impression.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I hate those kinds of vague statuses too. I think if a company was looking to hire you and they saw those kinds of statuses, they would think twice about hiring you. Not because they're saying anything inappropriate, but because it shows that you're not good at expressing your real thoughts and you are seeking attention. Someone like that should really think about cleaning up their social media image.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you're talking about with that last point about the 'vague' fights on social media. Usually everybody knows about the status is about, and a pointless fight starts over a Facebook status. I think in that instance that old adage about 'saying nothing at all' should apply. No good can come from hiding behind online profiles and targeting others with passive-aggressive behavior.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article and something everyone should follow. Posting negative things about a job, I think is the biggest mistake people make. Even if you post about a past job experience a current employer or potential employer may see your post and decide not to hire you. Also anything posted on social media is out there, thats why I think it's important to always be aware of things posted.
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