communikate

When Facebook is not your friend

Earlier this month, Facebook proved it’s much more than somewhere to update your status, post photos and give long lost ‘friends’ virtual gifts… it’s now saving lives! Yes, Facebook has been credited with coming to the rescue of two young girls who became lost ‘urban caving’ in the depths of SA's southern suburbs’ drain network.

Whether or not they thought to contact their parents using that clever mobile phone or dial 000 before going to the effort of updating their Facebook status is by the by; what’s more interesting to note is that the simple use of social media in this situation made for a good news story.

But social networking sites have their downsides. They have caused many an unsuspecting networker a lot of embarrassment.

Posting incriminating comments on Facebook thinking no one else but your friends have access to them is dangerous enough, but a hot tip… social networking sites are one of the first stops for journalists, among others, looking for information or photos that are going to make a good story or be the final piece in a puzzle. These sites have simply become another resource – and an easy one at that!

A recent survey revealed that 45 per cent of recruiters are checking Facebook to screen prospective employees – scary when you think of some of the banter and photos that end up on Facebook.

While we’re not advocating that you live your life in a state of paranoia waiting for your personal life to become a headline, it’s handy to know what is possible and how you can use these sites to your advantage, not your detriment. 

With the launch of our new blog, where we’ll each have a hand in sharing our thoughts, opinions and knowledge, communikate et al has penned a social media policy to provide some guidelines and boundaries. It’s something that all organisations should have in place to avoid being exposed. If in doubt, remember that the rules of good communication combined with a healthy dose of common sense still apply – it’s simply just a different forum. 

- Rebecca Tape, Account Manager

The material on this web page comprises the personal views of the author and does not represent the view or opinion of communikate et al. communikate et al accepts no liability for the content of this web page.

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