Lessons and Consequences 101: the LinkedIn Edition

PLEASE DO NOT MAKE CAREER LIMITING MOVES ON LINKEDIN.

The internet is permanent, and what you say can and will be used against you.

I've been witnessing the LinkedIn activity of some 1st/2nd/3rd degree connections that have compelled me to write this post. I am hoping that this explanation may help someone out there learn this lesson the easy way by heeding this basic advice, and NOT the hard way while filing for unemployment. In many ways, the internet is still young; and Social Media is a monster that we as a society both hate and embrace with open arms. Having borne witness to the evolution of social media as a youth into my adult years, I realize now that not everyone has the same foundational understanding of internet etiquette.

I understand that times are hard, and the world is not at ease. I understand the desire that comes from wanting to scream both joy, frustration, and pain from the highest mountain top, and I understand the fear, anxiety, and struggle that comes from 2020. But that doesn't change what I'm about to say. So, without further ado -

Lessons and Consequences 101: the LinkedIn Edition.

Let's start with the reality of things. It doesn't matter how much of a high-performer you are, your activity here likely won't get you promoted. BUT it takes:

• ONE sentence to make you a liability to your employer,
• ONE comment to LOSE A CUSTOMER or COMMITTED DEAL,
• ONE complaint to HR to get you FIRED,
• ONE opinion for your future employer to render your job application a "no," and
• ONE post to get blacklisted.

If you find yourself making excuses as to why this article so far doesn't apply to you, I implore you to keep reading, because that means, this article is SPECIFICALLY for you.

LinkedIn is a living résumé accessible to your entire rolodex.

If you wouldn't be comfortable texting a video of YOUR face reading YOUR post out loud to every person in your company, industry, and address book (your CEO included), then don't post it. Don't send it, don't comment. Simple as that.

EVERY TIME: ask yourself of the potential consequences of your actions. (Frankly, a great rule to apply to your life in ALL aspects, not just LinkedIn). If you cannot stand behind your comment when your job and family hang in the balance, do not say it here.

Things to know:

1. LinkedIn is your PROFESSIONAL BRAND. This is still considered a professional platform, and as such demands your "best foot forward." There are social mores (pronounced "mo-rays") unique to EVERY social media platform, and distinct rules of engagement for each. LinkedIn's is very specific, even though you may have witnessed some people in violation of these rules. Call me if this is news to you, and I will help you. Only post what you would be universally proud for people to see.
2. There is NO privacy and NOTHING sacred on the internet. For those of us in cybersecurity, some of us take this fact for granted. You may think laws like GDPR protects us from ourselves, but it doesn't. Here in the US, our 1st amendment provides us the constitutional right to free speech. However, it doesn't absolve us of the consequences of sharing that free speech. There is a distinct difference between the protection of the act and the limited protection of the aftermath, that it would behoove us all to learn.
3. Your words are etched in digital stone. Though your words may simply be one comment in a sea of thousands of other comments on an article, your name is forever attached to that comment. Because of engagement algorithms, your comment is also not hidden, it's HIGHLIGHTED. Ask yourself, would you get a tattoo or a brand of this comment? If the answer is no, then don't post it.
4. Your words will not always be taken how you meant them, and context is rarely taken into consideration. The internet's "cancel culture" does not assume you are innocent until proven guilty, and does not allow you the opportunity to be judged fairly by a jury of your peers. Before you post anything, carefully choose your words. Be clear, unambiguous, and do not assume that people will agree with you. Cross-examine your content and ask yourself if these are words you'd defend in court or if you'd regret them one day. If you chose the first, proceed cautiously. If you chose the latter, stand down.
5. Most importantly, understand that on LinkedIn - ALL OF YOUR ACTIVITY IS PROACTIVELY PUSHED TO YOUR ENTIRE NETWORK REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOUR SETTINGS ARE. This means that I as a friend, relative, employer, hiring manager, colleague, or complete stranger can read what you wrote and use it as ammunition against you if I so please. If you don't want to give someone free ammo to use against you, then don't.

If you are looking for a job, know that I personally have turned down countless candidates for controversial activity on LinkedIn because it demonstrates a lack of self-awareness, emotional control, and an understanding of how to present yourself professionally. You represent the company's brand, and your hiring represents MY personal brand. This means that yes, you could have been my most qualified candidate, but if you don't understand basic decorum - you are a liability to all of us, and no amount of revenue you generate outranks that.

Please don't mistake me, I understand that the world feels like a volatile place right now. There is a place for your emotions to be heard, it just happens that LinkedIn isn't it.

My specific ask is to not let your fear, anxiety, rage (or ANY emotion) define every other aspect of your life on your behalf. There are plenty of things I've wanted to say or comment to people online, and in my youth - I'd have absolutely "died on that hill." But today, it's not worth etching these words in digital stone and having them be a reflection of your professional performance for the remainder of your life and legacy. If you can think of ONE person (a parent, spouse, child, or boss) who you do not want to read your comment, please I beg of you - DO NOT COMMENT. Just let it slide, and stay classy, San Diego.

With all of the best intent and a thank you to anyone who heeds these words,

- Oanh.