Friends don't let Friends Drunk Tweet: How Social Media Can Bring You Down

(Third Original Post)

A few weeks ago, my roommate and former rowing teammate had to attend a meeting for all spring athletes.  As a past rower, I had been to countless pre-season meetings such as these where the athletic director would talk about displaying good behavior and working hard during the season.

In short, I was sure that she was in for a snooze-fest.

This time, however, was different.  The conversation was about good behavior, but it was centered specifically on social media.

The Clark University athletic department had brought in a young social media specialist to talk to the athletes about the proper use of social media.  In so many words, he spoke about what was good and what could potentially bring you down. (Just ask Michael Phelphs)

Most people remember this picture surfacing just after the 2008 Olympic Games.  Phelps lost millions in endorsements and was shamed within the athletic community... all just because of one picture.

Ten years ago, people may have asked why this would be pertinent to Clark student athletes.  Why would we need to worry about what people say on their personal accounts?  What is the big deal about posting photos or saying what you want online?

In 2013 the answer is simple: nearly everyone is a part of the groundswell…which means that your statements or photos that you post are no longer completely private.

I like to call such negative tweets, or even tweets that are positive but may still get you into trouble, "drunk tweets."  Regardless of whether or not drinking is involved, these "drunk tweets" etc are posted without thinking about the potential repercussions.

What happens when NBA players tweet about games? They get huge fines!

To some, it’s pretty self-explanatory: don’t post anything on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube that you wouldn’t mind sharing… with the world.  And even though privacy settings for social media accounts have certainly been enhanced (Facebook in particular) it’s important to remember that once something is out in the groundswell, it is out there for nearly anyone to access.

 Do you think Rihanna's PR staff were pleased with "party photos" such as these surfaced on her Instagram account?

This lesson is not just one for students, athletes, and celebrities to follow, but businesses as well.

With the word of mouth culture in full swing within the groundswell, employee and corporate statements, photos, and actions can be viewed as a reflection on the company.  Negative tweets=negative reflection... just like Positive tweets or social media usage=Positive reflection!

So long, beloved Afflack duck.  If only you had keep your negative comments to yourself

Unfortunately, some important people have suffered the consequences for inappropriate tweets. One article from Business Insider showcases the famous cases of stupid tweets that got people fired. Another article from Mashable talks about athletes, professional and ammeter  who have been in trouble from their use of social media. 

                                          

California Piza Kitchen employe fired for making a negative comment about his uniform on twitter!

The message that is important to take away from all of this?  Simple: Be careful of what you are posting.  Whether you are a CEO, VP, or the even the company intern, what you say could potentially make a difference.  Just as the public could respond well to a positive comment or reaction, they could also lash out at a negative one.

Dilbert and Social Media: An office environment doing it right... and poking a little fun at the same time :P