In a world that increasingly relies on technology and social media for day-to-day activities, it can be easy to forget how to behave properly when you have the safety of being hidden behind a computer or phone screen. However, improper or inflammatory use of social media can have ramifications both in your personal life and in the course of any legal claims you may deal with.
Today I wanted to highlight some do’s and don’ts of social media as well as remind you that the internet is forever and it is wise to think twice before posting, commenting, or sharing.
1.) Don’t mix business and pleasure. It is never a good idea to maintain a personal account that also doubles as an account you use at your workplace. It can create a negative image, or, worse, you could post something that could turn people away from your business given how they see you conduct your personal life. For example, I maintain all of Marcie’s social media. However, I am sure to share work-related information on a separate Facebook, Instagram, and blog, and I leave my own daily activities or updates on my personal pages.
2.) Don’t Be Reactive. We all love a good Facebook comment war or reading crazy stories of social media feuds. However, don’t be that person. In the heat of the moment, you could say something damaging to yourself or another party. And, if you are involved in a lawsuit, anything inflammatory or against your case that you post can and will be used against you.
3.) Avoid Over-Sharing. Similar to the above advice. You want to think twice before you divulge angry, personal, or wild content to your social media. It can be fun to post life updates or major achievements/events but keep family problems, anger with a coworker, or any other questionable content off of your page. No good can ever come of posting it.
4.) Don’t Drink and Post. Just as drinking alcohol can lower our inhibitions in many other ways, it can also cause you to lose your professional, respectful filter on social media. Avoid posting of any kind while drunk, especially if you are involved in a legal case as again, this could be used against you. This is also just generally good advice as many employers and other professionals do not hesitate to check the social media of people they are going to potentially hire. You don’t want one drunken crazy night to disqualify you from a job offer.
5.) Stay Offline When You’re Angry. Pretty similar to the don’t drink and post. In the heat of the moment in an overwhelming and stressful situation, it can be easy to vent on social media where you will likely get the sympathy of both friends and strangers alike. But again, you may also say something that you do not mean, something harmful to you or another person, or something harmful to your legal case. Avoid social media until you are sure that anything you post will be thoughtfully considered before making it public.
I hope that you found this week’s blog helpful and learned some tips that you can implement in your day-to-day lives. And remember, if you wouldn’t say it in front of your grandmother, you probably should not be posting it on social media.
Sources: https://www.moneycrashers.com/social-media-etiquette-tips-personal-business/ https://www.rd.com/list/social-media-etiquette/
**The content, thoughts, and opinions in this blog do not constitute legal advice of any form. Contact our office with any specific legal questions you may have.
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