How Personal Should You Get on Social Media?

If this whole Rep. Anthony Weiner scandal has taught us anything about social media, it’s to understand how to use the platforms (how to send a direct message as opposed to a regular post that’s distributed to ALL of your followers) and to re-evaluate the content you post. While Weiner’s scenario was certainly inappropriate for many reasons, I often wonder what goes through someone’s mind when they decide to publish a post on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. There have been times when I’ve had to re-read posts, and I’m flabbergasted that someone would choose to share personal information with people they barely know.

What you might think is normal stuff to share, might be borderline TMI (too much information) for your followers. Not only should you always consider who your followers are, but also take heed of posts never to be shared on social media:

1. Party photos. So you like to go out and have a drink or two with your co-workers? Big deal. However, posting photos from your weekend trip to Las Vegas probably isn’t the wisest decision for many reasons. For example, if you run a company, you might be connected to business partners and employees on these social sites. The last thing you want to do is give someone a reason to question your business leadership abilities based on photos from a bachelor/bachelorette party. The same holds true for employees.

“Should you really post that photo of you and your friends getting slizzered on the weekend?” said Gayle Falkenthal, owner of Falcon Valley Group. “Hey, it’s all in good fun, right? Everyone does it! But your boss might start wondering whether your performance is suffering on Mondays because you’re hung over, or whether you’re suddenly thought of at work as a partier instead of a professional. Social media feeds into your personal and professional brand image and reputation whether you intend it to or not.”

Photos have a way of haunting people no matter if it’s on Facebook or through text message. Just ask Weiner, Greg Oden and Brett Favre.

2. Personal issues. While you might want to let others see all that is going on in your life, sharing personal problems is definitely not recommended. Nobody wants to hear about your toe fungus, recent food poisoning experience, or relationship dilemma. As much as you might think that your online buddies care about this, I assure you they don’t.

3. Vacations. Are you intentionally trying to get someone to break into your house while you’re on vacation? Posting dates when you’ll be out of town is bad news. As you might receive a lot of the “have fun” and “take a lot of pictures,” burglars are sitting there smiling and saying, “Thanks for the tip. I’ll be sure to give Rocky a bone on my way out.” Don’t let your home be susceptible to mischief by divulging  your planned absences from home. 

4. Contact information. Do yourself a big favor and don’t share personal information that would facilitate unwanted contact from others. I’ve always been cautious with posting my email, phone number and physical address to my Facebook “info” section. If someone really needs that information, they can send a message and ask for it.

5. Schedules or routines. When you publish information on your every move, this can lead to stalking. Try to avoid postings that reveal your schedule, routine or places that you frequent.

Robert Arends, PR manager at the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, recommends not “Checking In” too often at places through sites such as Facebook or Foursquare. “It’s fine to do it once in awhile, when you discover a great new restaurant, but there’s no need to tell everyone everywhere you go through the course of a day. As a general rule, it’s best to keep your whereabouts private,” said Arends.

If you’re questioning whether or not a certain post might be too personal to share, go with your conservative side. Or do what Falkenthal does and give everything a mom/boss/client test.

“If any of them would think less of me because of a post, or if it might affect my professional or personal reputation, I don’t do it,” Falkenthal said.

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