How can a tweet destroy your life.

[Eru Ilúvatar]

Was reading this article today and even though is not about nursing, it related greatly in how can a simple post in a social media site destroy your life and career.

A great read to remember that the internet is a force to be careful with.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?_r=1&referrer=

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I'd also like to say that I'm not taking the position that it's okay to point fingers, or crucify someone with a public flogging of those who created the stir in the first place.

I'm taking the position that this is an important, SERIOUS lesson for those who believe that social media is just all in good fun, that "no one important" reads these tweets and whatnot. We see it all the time on AN: people post specifics about their job, their boss, their teachers, their patients. They post their photos and their personal email addresses....and then are so very surprised when someone tells them that they shouldn't do this, it's not safe nor prudent. Sometimes they even rudely retort that it's 'no big deal, everyone does it'.

When did people stop understanding that ANYTHING you say or write can be repeated or read....and that words do hurt?

[Libby1987]

It dismays me that anyone in this profession would feel righteous about someone receiving way more punishment than their act deserved. Really dismayed.

[Eru Ilúvatar]

I'd also like to say that I'm not taking the position that it's okay to point fingers, or crucify someone with a public flogging of those who created the stir in the first place.

I'm taking the position that this is an important, SERIOUS lesson for those who believe that social media is just all in good fun, that "no one important" reads these tweets and whatnot. We see it all the time on AN: people post specifics about their job, their boss, their teachers, their patients. They post their photos and their personal email addresses....and then are so very surprised when someone tells them that they shouldn't do this, it's not safe nor prudent. Sometimes they even rudely retort that it's 'no big deal, everyone does it'.

When did people stop understanding that ANYTHING you say or write can be repeated or read....and that words do hurt?

Totally agree with your argument.

[TexMex22]

I remember reading about that when it happened. About 6 months ago, I think?

Just goes to show, better think before you put stuff out there. Kids these days (good lord, did I just say that?) don't seem to realize the ramifications of this.

My husband read an article to me a week or so back about a 19yo girl who tweeted something to the effect of "Yay, start a ****** awful job tomorrow!" and an employee of the place where she was hired brought it to the attention of the restaurant owner. The restaurant owner, who had registered a Twitter account several years ago but had never used it, posted his very first tweet in response, saying "No, actually you don't! Good luck with your life!"

Not just twitter. A friend's daughter posted on Facebook that she hated her job, hated the customers (even made some specific nasty comments about customers) and that she'd rather work anywhere but there.

Well, another "friend" showed her boss the FB post. She got her wish. She was fired within days. Obviously, she did not receive a good recommendation. She was many months looking for a lesser position… the only one she was offered.

[jojo489]

I don't agree with your private life affecting your professional life. I don't think it should be held against you at work if you show up to walmart in pajama pants. I also don't think Facebook pictures should affect your job.

But my opinion doesn't mean crap because the reality is that it does. My fiancé and I deleted both of our Facebook accounts years ago ( moreso because we had people barging into our lives from the past and starting problems) to prevent any nonsense. And now I'm so glad we did. It's scary to think that your job might look at your Facebook.

People have to realize that just as one holds their own strong opinion about something, there are several other people who hold opposing opinions. If you post something controversial, expect blowback.

You have to be so careful because there's racism, ageism, sexism, bullying...all these things and more and people are so easily offended. It's so easy to take things out of context. What you and your friends might think is funny other people might just get highly offended and then the public shaming begins. And companies don't wanna be involved in that nonsense. And honestly, I don't blame them.

Bottom line....you never know who's watching. Be mindful.

[TexMex22]

Would it really matter about the context of the Arlington National Cemetery photo? This is an extreme case of poor judgement, disrespect and wouldn't be cute or funny under any circumstance. She must have severe maturity deficits.

[ICURN3020]

Anyone with half a brain should understand that choosing to mock a sign in a veteran's memorial like Arlington is not going to be well-received.

Wonder if she thinks trying to be funny was worth losing her job and having to live the rest of her life known as "that girl". I don't understand people's need to incessantly seek the approval and validation of others by sharing crap like this on FB, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

I am around the same age as this woman, so it can't be simply a generational thing. I was brought up to have the utmost respect for our armed forces and their families, who sacrifice right along with them. We may be close in age, but we are leap years apart in maturity.

Maybe now she realizes that is does not matter with what intent stupid, disrespectful acts like this are done, what matters is how it is perceived. I think some people are so self-centered, they either don't realize or don't care how their actions can affect others.

[TexMex22]

Few people would volunteer to have their humanity publicized for all to see.

Ahh, but what some fail to realize is that every time they post on Facebook or Tweet they are doing exactly that, volunteering to have their humanity (or lack of it) publicized for all to see. Everything is out there for public viewing -- every note, nasty comment about your boss, neighbor, mother-in-law, name it.

If you don't want your boss to see what's on your account, don't post it. PERIOD. Keep your witty remarks, questionable comments and crazy photos to yourself.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

People have done stupid butt things through out history.

The best and worst of us have all had a 'slip' or 'sin' that have sent us looking for a rock to hide under.

Some 'oops' were more grand than others.

The grading of said transgression is going to be get various mileage.

The killer part is that our electronic world has immortalized our words and pictures.

Good and bad.

Everyone with an internet connection, handle, account and keyboard can have their say.

Makes hearsay from the old days a walk in the park.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Some things, like a national historical monument dedicated to fallen servicemen deserve respect at all times and it was very inappropriate to take such a picture there. I don't really care about the running gag of defying signs...some things you just don't do! However the poor man that made a dumb "big dongle" joke to a companion in a conversational voice that just happened to overheard and shared by an offended woman [geez, talk about uptight!!]...do rational people really think he should have lost his job over this? Talk about an overreaction.

[vanilla bean]

A former co-worker of mine was fired as a direct result of a Facebook post after someone printed it and shared it with admin. It was not their only transgression at work, but was the final nail in the coffin.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Some things, like a national historical monument dedicated to fallen servicemen deserve respect at all times and it was very inappropriate to take such a picture there. I don't really care about the running gag of defying signs...some things you just don't do!

This!!!! ^^^ If you must defy signs, snap a pic bringing food/drink into a library. Snap a pic bringing your unpaid merchandise into the Wal-Mart bathroom. Snap a pic walking barefoot into a rural gas station.

But that pic of her flipping the bird in defiance of the sign at the Tomb of the Unknowns??? Who does that? Seriously, who does that??

So she thought the pic would be private between her and this other "Sophia." She was in public when she posed for it!!! Any number of people who may have lost family members in war...maybe even those who never got the body to bury...could have witnessed this display.