Protecting Your Online Reputation

On my radio program on Mile Hi Radio, I talked with Elizabeth Suárez, about dealing with conflicts on social media. Elizabeth is a conflict resolution specialist and we had a great discussion about how to “behave” (for lack of a better word!) on social media.

Of course, everyone is fully entitled to use social media any way that they want…and post anything that they want. However, people do need to be aware that their posts can…and often do…have consequences.

While we may only be posting to our “friends” – especially on Facebook – we do need to keep in mind the impression that we give to people through our online posts. And, we need to keep in mind that what may be funny, sarcastic, thought-provoking, and so on when written may not be interpreted that way in the future. I’ve actually had people comment on posts I wrote TWO YEARS ago.

As I write this, we’re in the middle of a Presidential campaign and I cringe every time I go onto Facebook. There are definitely posts from people who want to generate good discussion and show their support in a positive way. However, for every one of those posts, it seems like there are three or four posts that are filled with vitriol for the candidate/party they aren’t supporting. Some of the posts have been downright scary!

One person I’m Friends with (and know in the real world) was one of those who had what I considered to be extremely negative posts…and lots of them. So, I was very surprised when he posted this:

Someone I love and some of you have made me realize how angry and ugly I’ve been. I apologize to those I’ve offended with my political rants. You won’t see them anymore.

The responses he received were mixed. Some said they were glad, but others said that they hadn’t seen anything wrong with his posts and that he should continue. While he has continued to post his political views, he has definitely toned them back.

Elizabeth and I discussed this quite a bit. It took courage for this man to acknowledge that he might have offended people – and even more courage to apologize.

I think he had fallen into the social media “trap” of feeling that he could vent online, in a “safe” environment. He could threaten, he could rant, he could call people names, all without consequences. However, I’m guessing that his hate-filled posts cost him friends, both online and in the real world.

More importantly, I consider this man a business associate. Maybe it’s a bit shallow of me, but after seeing his posts, I would definitely hesitate to refer him to any of my business associates or friends. I’ve spoken with others who also saw his posts and know him and they felt the same way.

Again, I want to emphasize that how someone uses social media is entirely a personal choice. Whether it’s politics, religion, sports or something else, we all can get very passionate with our feelings…and sometimes those feelings spill out online. We just need to remember that those outpourings can have repercussions in the future. While it may feel good to vent, will it be worth it in the long run?

Anything you post online is there forever (or at least you should think it is!). As Elizabeth said, what may seem okay to post now may not be appropriate (especially without the context) when read weeks, months or even years later. Pause before posting, especially when your emotions are running high.

I’d love to get your comments on this subject. Post them below!