I loved reading this news paper article the other day, “Don’t check me in: Etiquette in social media.”
I agree with the author completely on every point she made. It’s worth looking at the importance of what she is saying in the context of our profession.
First point: Know your settings and how the technology works.
You need to know how to put the settings in place that will protect your own personal online safety and reputation. You also need to set the notifications within platforms that alert you when your cyber ID has been tagged in a post, picture, tweet, video, etc. Facebooks feature that allows review of these actions prior to them posting on your timeline (profile) is a big improvement in this regard, but even this falls short of the insulated safety net many of us want.
Second point: Don’t assume that it’s ok.
I have given up a lot of privacy online in my professional life. That is a choice I made. Similarly, I make the choice when I want to post a picture of myself, put myself at a location or place or in any other manner let my position, place or profile be known. But that’s MY choice. Even when I’m with a group of people, I only let my own info be known. Some may not want their IDs mentioned. I often choose my words in a particular way…I don’t know others will do the same, so let them control that. Pictures? Never post a picture without the permission of the target.
Third point: Professional ID vs Personal ID
I have them both as I know many of you who read this blog also do. I control what information of my personal side will cross to the professional and vice versa. Most often the answer is simple…none. I can’t control what information others will cross for me. Accept that it’s out of your control, but control what you can. Simply put, if you never allow the two worlds to collide, you’ll be a little better insulated. NEVER assume that you’re completely safe though. Settings and talking to your family and friends can help.
I can’t stress this enough…KNOW YOUR TECHNOLOGY.
Let people know how you feel about it. Just because you’re using the technology, doesn’t mean you want to sacrifice all your privacy, so let your friends and co-workers know.
Just because people you know are out there, doesn’t give you the permission to tag away. So ask…it’s polite.
