Social media sites, like Facebook, started out as a tool used to update one’s status and network the mundane of everyday life. A way of “light” socializing to get a sneak peak in the lives of others in a less-obtrusive manner than calling or social gatherings.
In our ever-changing world, social media is constantly evolving as a platform we use to express our ideals and serious topics. According to New York Times technology reporter Jenna Wortham via Mashable, “We went from using the tools the way they were intended to using them in the way we thought was relevant to our lives”… “but the flatness of social media — and by flatness I mean there’s very little context … makes it easy for the people who need to be thinking about [these issues] to ignore us”. Wortham also asked, “Are these the best tools to be having the kinds of conversations, and effecting the kind of change that we actually want to be having?”
Another issue of social media used for serious platforms is that content is easily taken out of context and re-tweeted or shared, often sending a message that is repeatedly misinterpreted or completely contrary to what the original post intent was. And the fact that nothing is private anymore with social media.
A good example of going viral gone wrong is Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers and now more infamously known for the audio clip that was revealed by the gossip website TMZ. In a matter of hours, this information went viral over the internet and especially through the social media platforms.
It didn’t take long for celebrities to jump in on social media. According to The Lede, “Reaction from around the league, whose players are predominately black, was swift on Saturday, just as it was on social media, where current and former players, entertainers, and ordinary people chimed in using hash tags like #DonaldSterling, #Sterling and #boycottclippers.”
It is crucial when using social media for your business, to make sure you are enforcing rules with your employees and yourself regarding use of social media and private information. Reputation management is crucial. In simpler terms, Huffington Post offers good advice with “Front Page Rules”: “The best strategy for an executive is to remember the “Front Page Rule” — if you don’t want to see it on the front page of your local paper, don’t do it, don’t say it, and whatever you do, don’t email it.”