Megan Biller – Ferris State University

PROFESSIONALISM IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Have you ever…

Scrolled through your social media feed and found:• someone complaining about work?• something inappropriate?• someone engaging in a debate?• someone posting about every second of

their day?• a post that makes you cringe?

Our Reality

• We live in a world of social media, where everyone is connected

• Free speech carries a whole new meaning

• Identity crisis

• Short attention spans

Professionalism

• Your reputation matters!

• Co-workers/Hiring Managers

• Ethical Principles– Autonomy, Justice, Responsible Care, Truth

• How will it be perceived?

Good and Bad Posts

Good and Bad Posts

Good and Bad Posts

Good and Bad Posts

Good and Bad Posts

Good and Bad Posts

Good and Bad Posts

Good and Bad Posts

Best Practices• Employer Policies

• Nothing is ever completely deleted

• Take a deep breath (and maybe a day) before posting while emotional

• Remember that others can post about you too

Best Practices

• Privacy settings don’t necessarily matter

• What are you willing to defend?

• Things you engage with on Facebook can be seen by others

• The “Grandma Rule”

References• Corteza, J. (2015). 5 Smart Strategies for Maintaining Professionalism in Social Media. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from

http://www.tintup.com/blog/5-smart-strategies-for-maintaining-professionalism-in-social-media/

• Gagnon, K., & Sabus, C. (2015, March). Professionalism in a Digital Age: Opportunities and Considerations for Using Social Media in Health Care. Retrieved August 27, 2016, from http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/95/3/406

• Gholami-Kordkheili, F., Wild, V., & Strech, D. (2013, August 28). The Impact of Social Media on Medical Professionalism: A Systematic Qualitative Review of Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved August 27, 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758042/

• Karadkar, C. A. (2015, September 13). The impact of social media on student life. Retrieved August 27, 2016, from http://www.technicianonline.com/opinion/article_d1142b70-5a92-11e5-86b4-cb7c98a6e45f.html

• Ollier-Malaterre, A., & Rothbard, N. (2015, March 26). How to Separate the Personal and Professional on Social Media. Retrieved August 27, 2016, from https://hbr.org/2015/03/how-to-separate-the-personal-and-professional-on-social-media

• Potzner, B. R. (2015, April 1). Social Media Dos and Don'ts: Balancing Your Personal and Professional Presence. Retrieved August 27, 2016, from http://www.prsa.org/Intelligence/Tactics/Articles/view/11000/1108/Social_Media_Dos_and_Don_ts_Balancing_Your_Persona

• Professionalism and the use of social media. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2016, from http://www.education.auckland.ac.nz/en/for/current-students/facilities-and-resources/social-media-guidelines.html

• Ruesink, M. (2014, January 30). Rasmussen College. Retrieved August 27, 2016, from http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/main/guide-to-soc-media-dos-and-donts/