Everyone’s heard of Death by Chocolate. It’s when a person gorges on dark, semi-sweet and milk chocolate pastries, cakes, truffles and treats to a delectable breaking point. We’ve decided to coin a new phrase: Death by Facebook. It’s different than Death by Chocolate because unlike the former, it’s not an enjoyable way to go.
If you’re reading this Merriam-Webster folks, the newly created entry goes something like this:
Noun
When a Facebook post is so ridiculous, offensive or otherwise inappropriate that the end result is termination from your job either by forced resignation or by firing. “Our Social Media Manager was dismissed for Death by Facebook when he inadvertently posted personal messages on the corporate account.”
Synonyms
Death by Twitter, Death by Social Media, Death by Careless Posts and Tweets
There are many incidents that don’t make the news, but a recent victim, Elizabeth Lauten, an otherwise unknown staffer for a GOP Congressman, was fired after posting this beauty on Facebook in reference to the Obama girls presence at President Obama’s turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House.
Dear Sasha and Malia, I get you’re both in those awful teen years, but you’re a part of the First Family, try showing a little class. At least respect the part you play. Then again your mother and father don’t respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter, so I’m guessing you’re coming up a little short in the ‘good role model’ department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar. And certainly don’t make faces during televised public events.
Her apology to “those who I have hurt and offended” was not enough to avoid Death by Facebook.
Back in the day, many “terminal” posts and tweets were unintended. Anthony Weiner comes to mind. He really didn’t mean to tweet his family jewels to the world – he was just careless. His downfall: Death by Twitter.
Recently, posts and tweets have been intentional – not a mistaken account or a meant-to-be-private message. Pictures of gross kitchen happenings in fast-food restaurants were a terminal trend for a while. “I hate my boss” posts, particularly when your boss is your “friend” are always terminal and it’s hard for us to give social media advice for this sort of stupidity.
Posts and tweets are supposed to be spontaneous and clever, but please sleep on it or get a second opinion if you are talking about a controversial issue and if your private life will reflect on your employer.
In case you missed the pardoning ceremony, here it is:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h-7nxkCm1g&w=560&h=315]
Leisa Chester Weir
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