Think Before You Post to Avoid A Social Media Crisis

We all have had those moments where we see something on social media that makes us feel an emotion. Quickly, we can be inspired to laugh, cry or get angry. We instantly want to react. But what does liking, sharing, or commenting say about us professionally or personally?

Each day, I read an entry from “The Daily Stoic”. Why? Because it makes me think more intentionally about things I do, say, or write. One passage had a line that reminded me of the impulsivity I’ve seen erupt on social media lately -- “don’t let your physical sensations or surging hormones get the best of you.”

We’ve probably all read about an influential leader who lost their career from an explicit, hate-filled, or simply tone-deaf social media action. More than any time in my career, this past year I’ve seen numerous questionable posts from colleagues that caused me to raise an eyebrow. Or without warning, someone liking a pornographic photo made something sexually explicit pop up in my feed! Situations like these can make you feel all kinds of awkward in most cases, but could discourage you from working with someone professionally in others.

For my clients (and really anyone who’ll listen), I advise that social media should be treated with cautious respect. Whenever you open a social media channel, pretend you are walking on a stage with a hot mic and a live audience. If you wouldn't say it, publish it, or broadcast it publicly -- then don’t post or engage with it!

Here are three rules and tips to remember when engaging on the “social media stage.”

1. Control Your Hormones - I’ve seen too many careers and relationships shattered from inappropriate social media activity or bad text messages. Lives derailed or secrets released because someone posted, liked or engaged with explicit or volatile content or sent an unwelcome message. Whether it’s spontaneous or planned, social media sites are the most commonly reported location for people experiencing an online harassment encounter, according to Pew Research Center.

Tip 1 - Do not interact on social media past 11 pm. It’s like my mom always said -- nothing good happens late at night.

Tip 2 - Do not interact on social media if you are under the influence (think alcohol, drugs or unstable emotions). Impairment increases impulsivity, volatility and simply said -- bad choices.

Tip 3 - When in doubt, just don’t. You won’t have to apologize for a post or reply you don’t send when you’re unsure if it’s the right thing to do.

2. Control Your Ism’s - We probably all have some level of bias and possible “otherisms” that we have to unlearn. In this era of social justice, it’s okay to say you don’t have all the answers but are willing to learn/unlearn. Be it racism, sexism, classism, or another tricky area -- proceed with caution when communicating, liking, or sharing online.

Tip 1 - If you’re not advanced in the area, don’t get into sensitive discussions where it will expose your (or your organization’s) ignorance, inauthenticity, or worse.

Tip 2 - The higher up you are in your company, the more you are responsible for your actions and may be considered a public target.

Tip 3 - If you wouldn’t say it on stage, don’t say it (or engage with it) on social.

3. Remember this CTA - You may have read this and thought, “I shouldn't have written or commented on that one post…” This article is your Call to Action, or better yet, your Call to Accountability!

Tip No. 1 - Be more strategic, intentional, and purposeful in your professional and personal social media use. Don’t create your own crisis when you are supposed to be preventing them at your company.

Tip No. 2 - Acknowledge that if you have any presence on social media the reality is your every move is being shared, recorded, and watched.

Tip No. 3 - Keep it professional and purposeful even on your hardest days and you will leave a digital footprint you and your loved ones can be proud of.

Cancel culture (ostracism) is swarming, but we’re here to help. Need some PR oversight on your planned social media content? Let us know.

Need a sticker for your laptop or phone to show you Think Before You Post? Or want to champion this CTA at the office or at home? Check out our Social Media Collection for stickers, mugs and t-shirts with the TBYP slogan because reminders help mitigate mistakes! We’re giving our readers a 10% discount with promo code PRPROVIP.