In case you haven’t heard, there is a website where you can pay a celebrity to post a video message on your social media page. While most people choose a Happy Birthday wish, someone I know of posted an antagonistic message from a well known criminal figure. It was aimed at coworkers he didn’t like and they were named. People at his job saw it and reported it to the boss. He was promptly fired.

It never ceases to amaze me how people think because they have a personal Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or whatever online outlet, they can say whatever they want. Even if you have privacy settings in place, that is no guarantee it won’t be “leaked” to outsiders. I have worked at places where employees complained about the conditions, made remarks about the boss, or called in sick but spent the day at the salon, and posted about it. Then they got angry when confronted with their words or pictures and faced disciplinary action. Some got fired. They also became enraged because in their eyes they were “betrayed” by their “friends.” Folks, nothing is your own anymore. Especially not the internet. Google is listening to what we say and do, the government is hovering in the shadows, and whoever is on your friend list has your information in front of them. Think before you post or hit send. And you can argue that what you do outside of work is your business. That is true. But if your employer decides to dismiss you, they might not give your social media posts as a reason. They can tell you “your services are no longer needed” and send you on your way. So if what you about to say could come back and be used against you, don’t put it out there.