Social Media Bust!

A few weeks ago, I received an email and call from my supervisor, “letting me know” that all my personal Facebook posts were getting redirected to the Career Services Center twitter account.  For those who did not experience this personal catastrophe, there were a couple pictures of my dog and a post asking for help in one of my classes.  Some say I dodged a bullet, because none of the posts were inappropriate for the workplace.  Since I have been working at Career Services, I always try to keep that in mind when posting.  I have learned that Facebook can never be trusted and is never the place to let off steam.  I understand we are in college and our lively personal lives can sometimes get the best of us.  But who are we to blame, this is our time to venture out, discover ourselves and figure out where we fit in this world.  So let me tell you, mistakes happen everyday, but prepare for these mistakes.  So next time you post, think; would you say the same thing in front of your friends, family and even your boss?  

Here are some social media experiences that cost people their jobs!

Virgin Atlantic took disciplinary action against 13 crew members who participated in a Facebook discussion that "criticised [Virgin's] safety standards and insulted passengers," according to the Guardian. The individuals "posted messages on Facebook referring to passengers as "chavs" and making jokes about faulty engines," explains the Guardian, adding that they also "joked that planes were full of cockroaches and claimed the airline's jet engines were replaced four times in one year.” The comments were promptly removed, the group was "sacked," and Virgin did not disclose many details other than a statement saying the unruly employees had "brought the company into disrepute."

A Georgia high school teacher claims she was forced to resign after her principal "questioned her about about her Facebook page, which included photos of her holding wine and beer and an expletive," CBSAtlanta reports. The National Education Association reveals that in other states, several young teachers and school staffers have put their jobs at risk by revealing personal information that parents and supervisors find inappropriate.

Colleton County paramedic and firefighter Jason Brown was dismissed from his job after posting a video that shows an exchange between two cartoon characters at a hospital. Firefighter Nation reports, In a letter of dismissal Brown provided, Colleton County Fire-Rescue Director Barry McRoy said, "You [Brown] displayed poor judgment in producing a derogatory video depicting a member of this department with a physician which is implied to be at Colleton Medical Center."

Oregon wide receiver Jamere Holland slammed his school's athletic program after hearing a linebacker was kicked off the team. Although reports that the teammate had been dismissed were false, Holland was kicked off for the "racially charged" remarks. "I wish I could block whites as friends and only have blacks LOL, cause apparently I'm misunderstood," he reportedly wrote. (via ShortNews.com)

A woman called in sick to work, complaining of migraines and how she needed to work in a dark room, only to stay home and update her status all day.

A British woman serving jury duty posted details of the case she was serving on asking her friends' opinions!

Thankfully my cyber error did not cost me my job like the ones described above.  Take my experience and advice; it is definitely not worth it!  Remember to keep all personal life and opinions to a minimum on social media websites; you never know who can be watching.

One post can cost you your job and your reputation. Have one of your own?  Comment and share here!

Sources:

Catharine Smith and Craig Kanalley. Fired Over Facebook: 13 Posts That Got People CANNED. Huffington Post. 2012

Gorey, Aoife.  Fired over Facebook! Workplace 101: A Profiles Global Business Blog. Profiles International.  2012.