When in doubt leave it out

The various social media platforms have opened up a whole new world for #MISA members who loves to post, comment, share and retweet, but don’t do so without being mindful of what you post, and read through a post before sharing it or retweeting it.

#MISA has cautioned our members about the dangers and consequences of participating on any social media platform, irrespective of your own closed social media account, those of your employer or the social media accounts of the Union.

Always keep mind that social media pages can be potentially dangerous, depending on what you post.

The golden rule is “when in doubt leave it out” – if you are unsure what to do, it is best to do nothing at all.

General Social Media Don’ts:

• DON’T provide confidential or other proprietary information. If there’s any question in your mind, err on the side of keeping silent.
• DON’T refer to your employer or fellow colleagues in a negative manner. Remember whatever you publish on social media immediately becomes public and will remain with you for your entire career.
• DON’T assume that posting anonymously will keep your identity secret if you publish inappropriate comments and content.
• DON’T use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity or engage in any online conduct that would not be acceptable at work.
• DON’T just like someone’s comment. Read what is said and associate yourself with the words or photo, before you like it or retweet it.

Social Media do’s:

• DO make certain that your online profiles and related content are consistent with how you wish to present yourself to colleagues and your employer. Model good behaviour.
• DO take personal responsibility for the content that you publish on any public forum.
• DO be selective. You don’t have to accept every friend request that comes your way. It’s okay to restrict your Facebook friends list to people you know.
• DO practice positivity. If you like a post, like it. Got an encouraging word to say? Go ahead and comment. Post a story, video or picture that is bound to make people smile.

You are more than welcome to send #MISA a question in Facebook Messenger.  Please take note that our office hours are from 8am – 4pm. MISA will reply to your query as soon as possible.

Alternatively, you can email your enquiry after hours to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za or contact #MISA on 011 476 3920 during office hours.

#MISACARES

#MISAONTHEMOVE

Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Media, Liaison and Communication Specialist.