I just love how social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have changed our ways of communication. Those of us who enjoy visiting these sites daily, hourly, or more often really embrace the sense of being part of a community that provides immediate feedback.
Recently I have read several posts that make me ask myself: “What was that person thinking?” I have elected not to comment myself but have many times been compelled to go back to the specific post and read how others have responded. Without a doubt a few of the comments convey disappointment or maliciousness. When this happens the author of the post may wonder why on earth these individuals don’t “get it.” Actually, a couple of my colleagues have reached out to me inquiring why they are getting more nasty and unpleasant comments in recent posts. When we have taken the time to review their posts it is extremely evident that the messages that were received by the readers were not what the author had intended, therefore resulting in anxiety, angry feelings, and even some “un-friending.”
In order to avoid this potential conflict allow me to recommend a couple of questions you might ask yourself prior to posting:
- Will your post insult anybody?
- If so, whom will it insult?
- Can you afford to insult that person/group of people?
After answering the questions above take a moment to explore what your main intention of the post is. Is it just for laughs? If so, maybe you should send it via a private message to select individuals who will not feel insulted. Remember – your post is not private! One of your friends can share it with somebody else, who doesn’t happen to be your friend, but could possibly be connected to an individual who can be instrumental in your future. Think about your next job, gig, and/or opportunity.
Even after answering these questions I suggest you re-read your post several times prior to hitting the “share” button. Even after re-reading it you still have a sense of maybe I shouldn’t post it…then don’t! Trust me – a minute of delight with some of your friends can’t overcome timeless disgust from others. Unfortunately, negative word of mouth has a stronger and wider-reaching influence than positive word of mouth. This is “Politics 101”; negative TV ads are spoken about much more readily than positive ones.
At the end of the day look at any social media outlet as a campaign platform, where you are able to illustrate to others your capabilities, personalities, and ideas. It is like having free access to TV and radio airwaves that can be referred to multiple times by a variety of individuals. Therefore, any negative impact may take a lot of clean up effort that may cost you your next gig, job opportunity, friendship – you name it. Let’s have a definitive purpose in mind when we are posting. Remember that while the social media world might come across as silent, posts are read and remembered.
Please don’t think I’m trying to persuade you not to use Facebook or any other social outlets. Just the opposite; they are amazing vehicles that are free and fun at the same time. Just make sure you are clear about your goals and keep them in mind at all times. Happy tweeting/posting!
This week’s guest post is by Elizabeth Suárez. Elizabeth is a highly regarded comprehensive strategist, facilitator, mediator, trainer and coach as well as an ADR and Leadership Studies Faculty at University of Denver (University College and The Women’s College). A native of Puerto Rico, she earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. For more information about Elizabeth, visit www.elizabethsuarez.com.
