Social media is changing the way we communicate with the world. It is enticing, yet can also be risky. There are numerous examples of social media gone wrong in the workplace. Recently, a high-ranking official with Georgia’s Department of Education stepped down after he was called out for racially charged posts on his personal Facebook page. A Forsyth County principal was suspended for posts about Muslims. A marketing manager was fired for comments made on his page after he posted a selfie that included a co-worker’s child.

The examples are endless.

What should you do to protect yourself?

Know the rules. If your company has a social media policy, make sure you are familiar with what they expect. Some companies have an extensive policy, others are as simple as “do the right thing,” while many companies have no policy at all. Your first line of defense is to know the rules.

Err on the side of caution. Think before you post. Would you want what you are about to say on the front page of the newspaper next to your photo? Would you say it to your mother? If you do not answer yes to these questions, posting may not be such a great idea.

Get legal advice. If you are caught in a social media crisis at work, you will want to know your legal rights. We can help.