Emailing, texting and social networking may be second nature forms of communication for many of us, but it seems like every day we are encountering more and more stories about people getting into real trouble due to embarrassing emails or online postings.  What about this medium makes us write and post things that we would likely not say to an individual face to face?  Perhaps the impersonal nature of the technology makes us feel safe, even when the reality sometimes proves just the opposite.

Do we need to think, before we hit send? Consider the following examples:

• A teacher complains on Facebook about the behavior of her students and she is now suspended from her job.  Think, before you hit share, especially when posting about work.
• A job candidate sends a scathing email when he is rejected by a hiring manager.  He may have been considered for a second opening, but instead he “burned his bridges.” Think, before you hit send, especially if you are upset, frustrated or angry.
• A politician uses his work email to send romantic messages to his lover.  They are published in the media causing great embarrassment.  Think!  Never post or write personal or inappropriate content in your work accounts.  It is not private and any content usually belongs to the company and can be used against you.
• An administrative assistant takes a sick day and heads out to the beach for a day of fun.  Unfortunately, her tweets about her great day at the beach get back to her boss.  Think!  Managers are now using social media more and more to catch employees participating in unprofessional behavior.

Most of these technologies are used for casual communication and socializing, therefore it’s easy to become careless. A good rule of thumb is to remind yourself not to write or post anything you would not be comfortable telling an entire room full of people. For more information on Netiquette, check out www.albion.com.