Think Before You Tweet – 5 Things You Don’t Want To Mention On Twitter.
Think Before You Tweet – 5 Things You Don’t Want To Mention On Twitter.
Twitter is an open social network, this means anyone can read your tweets (unless you protect them) including your friends, co-workers and also lovely lawyers. Obviously, we hope not everyone in the world is looking to sue you, but it’s good to think before you tweet.
1. Don’t say it if you can’t prove it. That’s the best way to not get sued. If you tweet something that would cause your followers to think less of the brand (or person) you have criticised, and ultimately damage their reputation, then you are liable for libel. However, if you can prove your point is true, or that your comment is fair and a matter of public interest, then go right ahead.
2. Remember your audience. Your boss or company follows you? Is it worth tweeting about how you didn’t do that report? The bloke you fancy in the office? The benefits you are illegally obtaining? If there are certain people that don’t need to know things, then keep your Tweets relevant to your audience.
3. Burglar Bill. Whilst you may not have your address on your Twitter Profile, can it be found on the internet? In this case, may be best not to tweet when you are going on that extended holiday minus all your worldly goods.
4. Harassment laws still apply on the internet. A bully recently was sentenced to 6 months in prison for threatening to kill someone on Facebook. We hope you aren’t bullies, but remember that everyone can see the comments you make, so that friendly jibe about beating your mate up at the weekend may be taken out of context by observers.
5. Copyright still applies, you can’t go around claiming you invented the Post-it note, Spencer Silver and Art Fry will be on to you!
Everyone can read your tweets, so make sure you are fair (and not malicious) to the brands you dislike (unless you have proof, that is) and don’t threaten to beat up your mate.
Think before you Tweet
