It’s quite obvious these days that as social media becomes more and more popular, people from all walks of life are drawn to it. That includes businesses, people like you or I, and celebrities like pro athletes.
Already, the NFL and other leagues have felt compelled to address the impact of social media has had on its athletes to the extent that the league has banned them from tweeting during games. This came on the heels of the announcement made by Chad Ochocinco (formerly Johnson) of the Cincinnati Bengals that he would, in fact, send in-game Twitter updates.
Charlie Villaneuva, while a member of the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA, was famously suspended by the team after sending a tweet at halftime. And then there’s Stephon Marbury, whose 24-hour streaming video meltdown was online for all the world to see.
Most recently, Washington Redskins linebacker Robert Henson used his Twitter account to lash out at fans. And let’s not forget the social media sniping back and forth between the aforementioned Ochocinco and San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, as well as Buffalo Bills wideout Terrell Owen’s swipe at former Dallas Cowboys teammate Tony Romo.
While the names may be more recognizable, these controversies are typical of social media users, regardless of fame. And each of these instances represent lessons that both individuals and organizations can learn from.
- In social media, everything is public – As we have mentioned in the past, part of building a good online reputation is based on the way you conduct yourself. Even if you make your accounts private, your connections will still be able to read what you post.
- Fame or no fame, your online presence can affect your business or employability – In the case of Marbury, he has yet to sign with a new NBA team. And while his reputation plays a key factor, his social media gaffes did not help his cause.
- Do not get engaged in a losing battle – Flaming, or the act of individuals battling online, is as old as modern computing. However, that never made it a noble venture. Public skirmishes usually have no winners. So, it’s best not to get involved.