In today's digital world, many of us have online chatter on various social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google + and more. We recognize and encourage others to see our thoughts, opinions and life events. However, do we really know who's watching?
Recently I noticed a posting on Facebook by an acquaintance, someone I don't really know except through the social site, related to a particular topic. I commented in a light-hearted fashion that previously my husband's employer was not on board with this topic but thankfully they had finally joined the 21st century. I never gave it a thought afterward.
Then, a couple weeks later, one of the secretaries at his employer calls him with a warning that their boss didn't like my comment and that she is watching every thing both of us are saying online! I have no issue with her watching as I allowed her that permission, but now that permission will be revoked! I don't work there and refuse to be bullied to clam up! Besides, what I said was really a kudos for implementing a new system.
I know my own employer watches the online comments of its employees. Recently one of my coworkers made a simple statement online that she's always looking for the next job opportunity. It didn't take a day for that to make its way through the management levels and a top level manager was out to our office to investigate. Its great that they value us employees, but do they have to hang on our every word? I mean, who isn't open to new opportunities?
On a personal note, I once posted to Twitter about something work related and had emails asking how I got that info before our management got it. It wasn't long after that a corporate policy regarding social media was sent out.
So, do you know who is watching you?
