Opinion - Chicago (IL) - Technology is a beautiful thing, and I am one of the biggest advocates of free speech, open forums, blogging, social networking and the ability to utilize the Internet as a medium to deliver your work, your opinions and your views. Internet technology, however, is something that should be used carefully and treated with respect. At its best and worst it can bring individuals wealth, fame and popularity. Unfortunately it can also cause significant harm.


Does using the Internet mean one must be responsible? That's a question circling my mind since an event transpired earlier today. Internet responsibility means you only post content, images, thoughts and feelings which correctly convey the image you're after. When you post, you must know that in the future these words could land in front of potential employers, co-workers, relatives, friends and complete strangers. You must consider: How do you want to be seen by them at that time?

Today the blogosphere is abuzz with opinion and hearsay regarding a Twitter drama and the new "internet meme of the day".

This morning, upon receiving news of a job offer, Twitter user theconnor -- whose profile has since been set to private -- Tweeted the following: "Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work." This is a Tweet the user more than likely regrets due to the events that followed.

No more than an hour after the first tweet, a Cisco employee who openly utilizes the social networking site and has implemented its use (and the use of other social networking sites) within the company, posted this reply: "Who is the hiring manager. I'm sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the web."

There are a few issues that should be recognized here: First, the girl who originally Tweeted needs to observe proper online etiquette, use proper privacy settings and she needs to know her audience and understand that the Internet is permanent. Second, the Cisco employee who stumbled upon the Tweet acted in an unprofessional manner. And third, there were other Twitter users who launched into full attack mode on the girl. These actions could easily be deemed cyber-bullying, as they started rumors that her job offer had been rescinded, and even built a website devoted to making fun of her -- publishing her private information.


Knowing Your Audience, and Web Socializing Accordingly

There is no doubt in my mind that at some point EVERYONE has disliked their job, the long commute to get there, their boss, their co-workers or any number of other things in life. There's nothing wrong with that. Even further, there's absolutely nothing wrong with vocalizing your thoughts to whomever you please. However, if you make the decision to do it on a public forum such as Facebook, Twitter (or any other social networking site or blog), you must either make sure your site is secure (which, it never can be on the web), or be prepared to handle any backlash which might come from your actions.

In this instance, and in our economy, I can understand the anger felt by many over theconnor's Tweet. She was lucky enough to land a job when so many are still waiting in line to be hired. The market is competitive, and we must all be grateful that we're able to work. That Tweet regarding a job offer which had just been extended to her was disrespectful. Additionally, it showed the individual who posted it lacks respect for the company.

When you work for a company, or you are hired, that company has done so because they trust you and feel that you are able to carry out the duties and expectations of the role in question. When you are hired, your employer is seeking something in particular. They are looking for an individual with a desire to be with the company. Having a poor attitude regarding your work and the company you work for could have a negative impact on not just yourself, but the company in general and its employees. It is a very disrespectful act, and as an employer would you want to hire an individual who admits up front they are effectively doing it just for the money with no real desire to be a team player? Probably not.

Looking at this situation from all angles is incredibly important. Privacy issues aside, she publicly Tweeted, she publicly admitted to disliking her job, and now she is due whatever action Cisco decides to take.



Read on next page:  Practice what you tweet, Revealing Levad Tweets, Be careful on that bandwagon, Free to speak, free to trample too?, Conclusion