Final answer:
When faced with negative comments on social media, avoid retaliatory bad mouthing, sharing inappropriate content, and having lax privacy settings. Actions on social media can leave a lasting digital footprint challenging your credibility. Use social media responsibly, considering the impact on your professional reputation and potential legal implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Actions to Avoid When Negative Comments Appear on Social Media
When negative comments about your company appear on social media, certain responses should be avoided. Bad mouthing a previous or current employer, posting inappropriate pictures, leaving your privacy settings as 'public', allowing friends to make unflattering comments, and making discriminatory comments can all significantly impact your professional reputation. Examples like comedian Kevin Hart losing a hosting job due to past negative posts highlight the longevity and impact of social media actions.
Furthermore, negative campaigning on social media can create a digital footprint that reflects poorly on an individual or company, which might be exploited in political or competitive contexts. Everything posted online can potentially be retrieved in the future, underscoring the need for careful consideration before sharing content. Although social media offers versatile platforms for expression, they should be navigated with an awareness of the potential consequences for employment, legal standings, and social perceptions.
Algorithms and artificial intelligence used by institutions or companies may screen for problematic comments. Hence, it's important to be culturally sensitive and legally aware about what you publish.