Social Networking, Are you ready for it?
Facebook has:
- More than 110 million active users
- Facebook is the 4th most-trafficked website in the world (comScore)
- Facebook is the most-trafficked social media site in the world (comScore)
- Over 55,000 regional, work-related, collegiate, and high school networks
- No. 1 photo sharing application on the Web
- More than 6 million active user groups on the site
Let’s start our history about Mr.Kyle Doyle (the guy on the picture above).
He was a Sydney telecom employee who learned the hard way the risks of sharing too much information on Facebook after he was caught by his boss faking a sickie after a big night out.
He was asked by his employer to provide a medical certificate, he protested, saying his contract stipulated he did not require a medical certificate.
Result:The manager sent Doyle a screenshot of Doyle’s Facebook profile, highlighting a status update written on the leave day in question:
“Kyle Doyle is not going to work, f— it i’m still trashed. SICKIE WOO!,”.
In another episode – Virgin Atlantic Sacked 13 of their staff after publicaly criticize the company on facebook(via Theage.com.au).
“Following a thorough investigation, it was found that all 13 staff participated in a discussion on the networking site Facebook, which brought the company into disrepute and insulted some of our passengers.”
They said
“There is a time and a place for Facebook. But there is no justification for it to be used as a sounding board for staff of any company to criticise the very passengers who ultimately pay their salaries,”
Can you notice something here?
Virgin didn’t sacked the (social networking users) staff for criticizing the company but for CRITICIZING THE PASSANGERS.
While Facebook (and more) naturally open to debate – some love it, others hate it, and many simply do not understand what the fuss is about – companies need to open their eyes to an emerging social phenomenon that is poorly understood – Social Media Congregation.
Although most people associate these websites (Facebook, Myspace, etc) with social activities, the site can be very useful in mobilising interest around a brand.
Companies are obviously entitled to establish the ground rules for employee behaviour, however Attempts to block such activity are not only bound to fail, but they ultimately cut off companie’s people from their own communities.
“The attempts to block Facebook or punish users for stating their opinions fails to appreciate that social network sites are simply the internet generation’s equivalent of the town hall, the school cafeteria, or the workplace water cooler – the place where people come together to exchange both ideas and idle gossip.” (text from BBC)
The Answer? A clear and standard position facing the reality.
What do YOU think?
Cheers
Lucio Dias Ribeiro
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I think the two examples you use are proof positive that you need to be careful when using social media sites and networks.
While personal profiles are all well and good for connecting with friends, as soon as you bring your work into play, the rules change.
Discussing your boss; criticizing the people that pay your wages; openly laughing about a fake illness; these and more open you up to whatever comes back at you.
As soon as you mention your company, you’re immediately an ambassador for that company, regardless of whether it’s on your personal blog, social network or other online medium.
It’s completely different from chatting with your mates down the pub about how crappy your boss is, or how your customers are a bunch of idiots, etc. There. it’s a private conversation between friends.
Online, millions can see it and therefore it can have an adverse effect – just look at the drop in share prices when the rumours hit about Steve Jobs’ (false) heart attack.
It’s a big world out there with eyes and ears everywhere – you need to be sure you know who’s hearing what you say.
Posted by Danny Brown | November 2, 2008, 3:50 pmDanny,
Fact, people still don’t the potential or dangers that Social Network brings them.
That’s funny how I’ve got some friends uploading pictures of wild on crazy party life on Facebook with the attitude of “Thats my life – fuck everyone else”. This can work really well for Rock Stars but not for the guys who wants to climb on the next promotion .
Like what you said:
“It’s a big world out there with eyes and ears everywhere – you need to be sure you know who’s hearing what you say.”
Cheers
Lucio
Posted by Lucio Dias Ribeiro | November 2, 2008, 11:40 pmI have two taboo subjects when it comes to my writing: intimate details of my marriage and my work and coworkers (unless mentioned in passing, and only in a positive, already public way – like the fact that my coworker K and I work out together at lunch).
I don’t fear losing my job over what I write – particularly my political opinions and observations on life and society; the First Amendment is THAT important to me. However, if I were showing contempt for colleagues or customers, or providing proof of a lie told to my employer, I would not be surprised to be reprimanded or fired.
If I wanted to criticize my employer, I’d be more direct about it and take it to management – internally. NOT Facebook. I wouldn’t even bitch about an ex-employer on Facebook or my blog; how does that look to PROSPECTIVE employers? It’s just unprofessional.
Posted by Holly Jahangiri | November 3, 2008, 1:17 amP.S. Hi back. Thanks. :)
Posted by Holly Jahangiri | November 3, 2008, 1:17 amVery interesting post…
I think the better thing to do is don´t expose yourself too much at those social media sites. All network that is provided by it is excelent for professional contacts, but it´s unnecessary talking about your personal life there.
A tip for everybody: be careful!
Posted by Carla Matias | November 4, 2008, 7:26 pm@Holly you’ve got a good point – Theres a difference between expressing yourself and public criticizing your company and/or customers and/or coworkers
What you decide to share with people is your call, however it need to keep on mind that will be seen for (potentially) more p[people you can imagine
@ Carla, good to see you here again!
Be careful and be mindful what you are expressing.
Posted by Lucio | November 7, 2008, 3:54 amI think most people need to realize there is an option to make your profile private – only allowing it viewable to whom you want it to be viewable too. People need to wise up and learn to keep their information private.
Posted by AV | December 9, 2008, 3:49 am