3 Things I’ve Learned Being on Social Media
In addition to writing HR Bartender, I’ve become very interested in other social media applications like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. I enjoy the relationships I’ve made and the information I’ve learned as a result of being connected with such a diverse group of people.
You have to grow some thick skin. There are days I’m amazed at the stuff people say on social media. Alexandra Levit recently wrote a post titled Google is Forever about the long lasting impact of comments. It’s an excellent read and so true. It reminded me of a personal example: I was recently quoted (along with many other HR pros) in a Reader’s Digest article. The reactions I’ve seen to the article have mostly been positive. One private group I’m a member of ripped the article apart … and the people who were quoted. They probably didn’t realize someone who had been quoted was in the group and reading all of their comments – many of which I perceived as rather mean-spirited. Or maybe they did. I must say one part of me wanted to send a message to the group but then I realized I needed to let it go. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I guess a private group is the appropriate place to express it.
Silence is golden. We all know there are things better left unsaid. Do you really need to tell the whole world you’re unfriending someone?! Sometimes quietly taking action is best. Then there’s the tweet from a widely known business figure talking about urinating on the toilet seat. Really?! Seriously, I don’t need to know that. Leaving a little piece of yourself private won’t hurt anyone’s feelings. I’ve always thought there’s greater impact behind what people don’t talk about instead of what they do.
Choose your rants carefully. Like everyone else, there are things that push my buttons. Things that I get really frustrated about. But every frustration I have is not a future blog post or a tweet. It reminds me of those employees who complain all the time about everything. Over time, their complaints have less credibility because it’s just one in a long lost list of other complaints. What’s that old saying? Pick your battles…
Who knows, maybe these will help if you’ve ever seen something on social media that either makes your blood boil or looks completely wacky and you’re wondering if you should comment. Or you can forward this to a couple of friends who you’ve seen jump into conversations they probably should have walked away from.
What have you learned being on social media? Please share your words of wisdom in the comments.
Image courtesy of mfinleydesigns
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