When and when not to rant in social media... that is the question

Remember Cisco Fatty, a.k.a. the University of California student who -- back in early 2009 -- posted the infamous tweet about an internship with the software giant? 

"Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work." - we all know how that ended.

For the past several months I have been seeing an extensive amount of people voicing out their frustrations about their interviews, the interviewers as well as their current and past organizations. These "rants" that I have been seeing made me think if there are any rules or guidelines when posting in social media and when is it appropriate to rant in social media. Also, are there any repercussions in doing this and are we going to benefit from it?

Some people do not realize that what they post in social media can be viewed not only by their friends and family members but also the company that you work with, people associated to anybody working within your company and a lot more. At the rate of how technology is now, anybody can be reached regardless of which destination they are in. One does not fully understand that what they post on social media sites -- whether it be at home or work, on a company computer or a personal computer -- can be grounds for termination or may be used against them in their next job. A lot of companies nowadays, specially in the US, uses social media sites as one of their platforms in conducting their background checks to their applicants.

There can be a slight confusion over what is an acceptable behavior in the use of social media. Some people see it as a platform for free speech and believe that they should be able to say what they want. But up to what extent can people use these social media sites as a medium for their free speech?

Although there are no particular guidelines on when and when not to post grievances/rants/frustrations in social media, one must always think that there are proper ways on when and where you can vent. Writing your thoughts in a piece of paper (what I do), speaking and asking advise to your friends and family members, addressing issues with the HR and directly approaching your manager about the situation can be a few solutions on how to go around in these situations.

Think before you click...

My advise to every one who wishes to post about their feelings in social media is to compose your posts carefully and thoughtfully. Always think (or put at the back of your mind) if your post, in any way, will offend or harm the reputation of the company as it gives a negative connotation not just about the company but also yourself. There are repercussions in every action that we do, termination is one and another can be a lawsuit.

If there is anything that you do not want any of your workmates, boss and future employers to see, then don't post it in any social media sites. It can become public and stay out there forever. Information in any social media sites especially Facebook can spread like an infection disease.

One must remember that the power of social media doesn't always have to be perceived as negative in the workplace, if you find people who are champions of the company, it can have very positive effects in moving the company forward.

Why be negative when there are a lot of wonderful things we can be happy about?