You’re fired (because of social media)!

Some of our recent in-class discussions have been on the blurred line social media has created between our professional and social lives. Being tuned in to social media 24/7 is a requirement for some professionals (like PR pros dealing with a crisis). Being “on display” affects more than just those who use the tool as a job. Some people belive that social media use puts people at risk.

Is it a realistic fear? Nicholas Cheong’s  blog would say yes. I lost my job from social media compiles “social media gaffes that cost jobs, clients and reputations.”

You  may be familiar with some of the stories, others may have flown under your radar. Oprah pleaded on Twitter for people to watch her TV show and received a “slap on the wrist” from Nielson. A Cincinatti mechancial engineer who took to Twitter to oppose a street car was slapped with a lawsuit for making a “false statement in an Ohio political campaign.” A Louisiana Congressman re-posted a false story from the Onion on his Facebook page in February. Months later, it is still a top story associated with him (Google his name – after his official site and Wikipedia page, the story is the third result). The stories are endless (and quite entertaining).

Responsible social media posting and monitoring is important. Many changes go largely unnoticed by users and your  “friends” may be able to share something of yours that is seen by a larger network than you think. Some states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, North Dakota and New York) even protect employees from punishment for off-duty posts. However, there are no laws preventing employers from tracking employee social media use.

With more people’s informatoin on display, what are we at risk for? Deleting something does not equal it being erased. Is the cost of a simple mistake higher now than it was before social media?