Lion Marketing has you covered when it comes what you shouldn’t be posting on social media! Educate yourself and understand what can land you in hot water!
- Be very careful in making any online accusations. Rather keep it to yourself or keep it offline. Any accusatory statements may be seen as defamatory – even if they are the truth. If reported on social media you could be looking at a court case.
- We advise not speaking about anyone you know in a negative light. We especially recommend keeping children out of any online conflict. Even if any identities are not exposed, you can still be in trouble in terms of Media Law.
- Avoid being pessimistic about your company of employment online. The company has the right to dismiss you, even on your own private social media. Your place of employment also has the right to dismiss you should you partake in racist or sexist slander – even if it has nothing to do with your job.
- If your posts online have anything to do with racism, sexism or discrimination based on religion, culture, sexual preference or the likes, they are viewed as hate speech and you will be prosecuted.
- The right to freedom of speech falls away as soon as it fringes on another person’s right to privacy or dignity.
- Don’t resort to naming and shaming as it is risky – especially because you are violating someone else’s privacy. This can amount to harassment as well as defamation. So next time you want to name and shame bad driving – be wary, you can get in trouble too for driving and being on your phone.
- Anything published online is not seen as the same as expressing your opinion among friends. Social Media is not offered the same protection as journalism.
- Be careful of what you engage with on social media – commenting, liking, reposting, retweeting etc. If the post is defamatory, invasion of privacy, hate speech or discrimination, people interacting will also be liable.
- If asked to remove something. Do it. You are gaining a second chance.
- Administrators can be held liable for the comments of its members. As admin, you have a responsibility to remove these posts and block these users. Having a policy on your page is not protection enough.
Please make sure you abide by these rules in the digital spectrum to avoid conflict, protect yourself and well…quite frankly to be a better human.
