Have you ever noticed a friend posting something iffy or debatable on social media? Chances are, you read it and felt a bit awkward, wondering whether it's worth speaking up before the wrong person notices and things go south.

It feels like there's a new story every week about someone getting fired because they shared something offensive or inappropriate on social media. Entrepreneur recently covered eight "social media fails" and delved into the repercussions of those posts. Yet, documenting all the thoughtless stuff happening on social media would require a team working nonstop.

Let's be clear; there's nothing wrong with expressing your opinion and sharing it with your network – that's what I'm doing right now. But here's the catch: some folks still miss the point that their target audience isn't always their only audience.

What you intend to say doesn't always align with how people interpret your words. Interpretations can vary based on industries, cultures, and individuals. Once you toss something online, it takes on a life of its own and can spiral beyond your control.

Mind Your Online Manners: How Social Media Can Affect Your Job

Many of us take pride in our jobs and often showcase our work details on Facebook. Even if you don't see it there, a quick visit to LinkedIn unveils those details. It's crucial to recognize that what you put online reflects on your workplace. While this might be apparent, how many of us pause to consider if our boss would approve of our online posts?

Thinking about our online behavior in the same light as our professional life is a bit unnerving. The boundaries between "work/life balance" are fading, making everything more transparent.

Two decades ago, saying or doing something inappropriate risked embarrassing you in front of a few friends. In today's world, with the technology at our fingertips and the vast social networks we engage in, it's not that simple.

Let's break down what happens if you post something you shouldn't or if your online content gets misunderstood. These are the unintended consequences of social media.

When Your Online Share Goes Awry

First, you see more notifications than usual after sharing something online. The likes, comments, and shares keep pouring in. However, before you realize that your message isn't being understood as you meant it to be, and needs deletion, someone takes a screenshot.

This screenshot is then shared by others, who start expressing their views on what you said. Still bombarded with notifications hours later? Well, congratulations, you've gone viral, and there might even be articles written about you by reporters.

Eventually, someone you offended sends it to your employer, questioning if you represent the company's values. By this point, you may have caused significant harm not only to your personal reputation and relationships but also to the company's brand. It's not uncommon for people to stop doing business with a company due to a social media post made by one of its employees.

Unpleasant Surprises Before a Meeting

Now, imagine you have a meeting next week with someone you've been emailing, and you're finally meeting face-to-face for the first time. Before the meeting, you check their LinkedIn profile to learn about their background and work experiences for conversation points. As you become more curious, you decide to Google them. After spending five or ten minutes on another social network or website, you stumble upon something they shared or posted that completely changes your perception of them and challenges everything you thought you knew. 

Dealing with Questions and Social Media Dilemmas

Addressing these queries sparks even more, and truthfully, they're questions I can't fully answer.

How can a company foster a culture of doing the right thing among its many employees, especially when a single social media post by one person could accidentally undo all that effort and alter their reputation?

Influencing Online Behavior and Educating Employees on Privacy

What methods can businesses use to guide appropriate behavior online and teach their staff about privacy settings for their social media posts? If a post doesn't reveal confidential company details or even mention the company, can the employer step in?

The Power and Risks of Social Media

As a society, we've always held strong opinions and expressed them when possible. Now, we have various tools at our disposal, an audience at our fingertips, and almost nothing preventing us from expressing our thoughts. We're dedicating more time to our phones and social media, and the role of social media in our lives is here to stay. However, the associated risks aren't going anywhere either. How are you advising your friends, employers, and colleagues on navigating social media?