INDECENT EXPOSURE IN FACESPACE: TO TAG OR NOT TO TAG?

facebook fired

v. being fired for something you post on facebook

Damns, I just got facebook fired! http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=facebook+fired

Above are three sample photographs from the Facebook group, 30 Reasons Girls Should Call It A Night and the start to my bi-weekly exploration into the etiquette of social networking. As Facebook has evolved from a college-only environment to one filled with our professional colleagues, some rules should be exercised while surfing around social networking land.

Rule #1: DO NOT upload photos of your inebriated self from a party, especially if that party happens to be your office holiday party.

Rule #2: DO NOT tag your colleagues in compromising photos where they are inebriated at some party, especially if that party happens to be your office holiday party. Rule #2 is almost more important than rule #1.

As further reference to how this could potentially affect your professional life, meet Kevin Colvin.

Kevin Colvin was an intern at Anglo Irish Bank’s North American arm. “Was” is the key word. Colvin here sent an e-mail to his manager, Paul Davis, asking for a day off due to a “family emergency”.

In all actuality, Colvin attended a Halloween party in Worcester, MA where he dressed in the adorable fairy costume above. The photo was posted to Facebook and later discovered by one of his co-workers. The photo was sent to his manager who responded by attaching the photo to the following e-mail and BCCing the entire office:

You may be job-less KC but nice job on the glitter. What have we learned here? Be careful what you upload in Facespace.