Today our lives are digitally connected, sharing our lives online has become second nature. We post vacation photos, comment on trending topics and share personal updates without much hesitation. Social media platforms may feel like digital extensions of our real lives, but this ease of sharing may come with hidden risks.
A single post, a joke, a controversial opinion or even an old photo can quickly spiral out of control and attract the wrong kind of attention. What was intended as a harmless update can be misinterpreted, screenshotted and spread far beyond your original audience. In more serious cases, the consequences of an online misstep can reach into the offline world. Employers may take notice, reputations can be damaged, and in some instances, livelihoods are put in jeopardy.
Employment and online activity
Whether or not someone can be fired for something they post online depends on a variety of factors. These include the nature of the post, the type of job and whether the content violates a workplace policy or harms the employer’s reputation.
At-will employment means that in many cases, an employer can terminate an employee for any lawful reason, including conduct outside of work. However, there are important limits. Speech that relates to workplace conditions or organizing efforts may be protected, and terminations based on discrimination or retaliation are generally not allowed.
Employers also need to consider whether their policies on social media are clearly communicated and applied consistently. On the other hand, employees should understand that online activity, even on personal time, can sometimes have professional consequences. Both sides can greatly benefit from knowing where the lines are drawn.
If you have questions about workplace rights or responsibilities tied to online activity, it can be worth having a conversation with a legal professional, helping to pave the way for peace of mind and more confidence in what you post.
