Posted on September 15, 2009 - by Wayne Sutton
9 controversial topics to avoid on social networks for job security
If you look at one of the recent post on Mashable today about an employee who’s social media activity landed him in the um-employment line, sadly it’s not the first time something like this has happen. Employees are using social networks more and more but without conscious thoughts about how their online posting could effect their employment status.
While social media and social networks may be a way for self expression, a way to stay in contact with friends and family members, you have to remember while you’re on the clock, content you post during work time could be looked as views supported by your employer without any disclaimers. Also even when you’re off the clock, sometimes unless you state that your views are your own, it could be considered the same values supported by the company.
With that being said here are 9 topics to avoid on social networks:
- Politics
- Race
- Sex in general
- Gay Marriage
- Sexual preference
- Religion
- Porn
- Past Jobs
- General complaining on the Job
For best practices it’s best for a company to have a social media policy / guidelines in place for all employees.
Does your work have a social media policy? Do you feel that you should be free to discuss any topic online?
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Written by Wayne Sutton
Wayne is the business development/marketing strategist for TriOut and partner at OurHashtag. For more, follow SocialWayne.com on Twitter, Buzz, and Facebook. Also check out the SocialWayne Podcast in iTunes. See all posts by Wayne Sutton.
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15. Sep, 2009
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28. Dec, 2009
[...] look at Wayne’s topics to avoid and create an internal filter whether your company has a posting policy or [...]
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September 15, 2009
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Brett Borders said:
I agree that all of these can get you in hot water. Sex, politics and religion are the most contentious.
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September 15, 2009
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Angela Connor said:
As someone who has crafted a policy, I think it’s even more important to advise employees on what they “should” do via social media, particularly if they are representing the company. Maybe they don’t know how they can help the company and their positioning within it by being a positive force across social media platforms. Good advice Wayne. I think that you can discuss any of these topics though, if you have common sense and use good judgment.
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September 15, 2009
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Ashley Sue Allen said:
Then my question is, what can you talk about that’s personal and indicative of who you are, what you want from life (and job), and what you fight for. I very much understand we must each demonstrate discretion when voicing your beliefs, but simultaneously, if you are representing yourself ~ not your company ~ and representing something you openly believe or represent, shouldn’t you be allowed to (while understanding a price is paid with freedom of speech).
What are 9 topics that are most acceptable on personal blogs and websites? I’m curious what you guys would have to say (besides blogging about blogging and good seo/sm practices, which I see too much of from too many anyhow ~ you being an exception, Wayne. I consider you a Master).
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September 15, 2009
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Jeff said:
Sex in general, sexual preference, porn or gay marriage are obvious as well as previous jobs or job complaining.
The other 3, I might say, are handle with care issues.
I think a better rule of thumb is that anything you wouldn’t say in the office, you probably shouldn’t be tweeting.
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September 15, 2009
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Wayne Sutton said:
Thanks for the comments everyone. Angela you’re right, “common sense and use good judgment when having conversations online.
Ashley, I understand your point, the angle I’m approaching is mainly for workers on the job posting content during hours that could be damaging to the employer brand.
If you’re an individual feel free to use your right to discuss any topic but use good judgment if you think your online content could be damaging to a future employer.
In other words because of “social media” it’s a thin line between ….
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September 15, 2009
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Ashley Sue Allen said:
I certainly agree, when you are, in any fashion, on the clock, it is imperative to share only values and content that is 100% in line with the mission of your company.
Needless to say, just as you say, there is a very thin line in the world of social media, and one must exhibit great care in what content and values they post on their own time ~ as you are always, no matter what, a reflection of your company’s brand as well.
That said, no matter what, I am fully with Jeff. Past job griping or details are certainly off limits, no matter what. As is personal sex information or preferences, and of course, porn.
…I think, too, you can cover most any controversial topic (religion, politics du jour, etc) if you approach it from an interesting outside angle (instead of a rant on your personal stance). Perhaps that is what I wanted to say in my first try.
Thanks for the great post, Wayne. Thought-provoking, indeed.
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October 18, 2009
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OrnaraWoonnaP said:
Let’s meet. my name is Ben. My hobbies are anime and Hentai. Let us get acquainted with this topic for you. Write who you are, your hobbies