5 Things to never do on Twitter, Facebook

Recently, a software engineer got into big trouble over a tweet, which said : “Because of the whims and fancies of XYZ company, my long-awaited weekend party has gone for a toss. Feel like suing them.” His frustration had the client that his IT company services, take quick notice, and he was on the verge of losing his job.

Companies are increasingly securing channels of information, believing every piece of information that appears on a public domain to hurt business interests. All the more reason for an employee to be careful about what they post on Facebook, Twitter, blogs or social media platforms.

Here are five things that one should never post about on Twitter, Facebook or any other social media site.

1. Never identify your employer : 

It might be great to flaunt that your employer as the world’s ‘biggest software company’ , the best bank in the world or the best car manufacturer amongst your friends or family but don’t put it up on any of your social network accounts. It might welcome trouble.

2. Don't mix personal with professional : 

Differentiate between social and professional networks. "It is not great for your professional contacts or prospective employers to know what you do in your personal life."

Let them be unaware of your booze parties, a troubled relationship, if any, your friend from the rival company or people you hate the most in office. It might expose you to scrutiny and bias.


3. Check your privacy settings : 

Social networking sites are a great platform to share your life with friends but be sure you know exactly who are the people with whom you do not want to share the details of everything you put up there. Check privacy settings to keep certain people off the content.

4. Never vent professional frustration / anger :  

Avoid picking and choosing, name-calling and being abusive on such media, specially about your office staff. Even if you have a strong urge to vent your frustration, be discreet and keep people anonymous. You would not want to chew your words when you later face up to them or are pulled up by your function head for indecent behaviour.

5. Never share any office news / gossip : 

"If you can’t share information on email you can’t share it on social media either", If you are a blogger, have a disclaimer that your views are personal and not those of your employer. Having opinions is fine till the time it gets you into trouble or people take it for someone else’s views and react accordingly.