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 How often do you use social media sites?
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are some of the most prominent sites that have made it possible for us to more easily send and receive information. But careless use of social media sites has gotten many people into trouble.
In September 2013, “Polyplastics Group Social Media Usage Guidelines” were formulated for use by the Polyplastics Group with the objective of protecting employees from becoming involved in the dangers associated with social media sites. The guidelines list precautions to observe when individuals use social media sites for private enjoyment.
This article explores why there is so much trouble associated with social media sites and presents part of the content of “Polyplastics Group Social Media Usage Guidelines.”
What is social media?
Social media is a format by which people can transmit information on the Internet. This format is characterized by content that is produced as a result of communications between users. Sites that use the social media format include electronic bulletin board systems (BBS), blogs, and SNS (social networking services) sites that allow individual users to freely exchange information and opinions with each other.
In short, social media sites can be easily accessed by anyone with a cell phone, smart phone, or other form of Internet connection to communicate with other people.
Is accessing some social media sites a part of your daily life?
Why is there so much trouble associated with social media?
Trouble that occurs on social media sites is deeply connected with the characteristics that are distinctive to social media itself. Let’s list these three characteristics (reasons).
- Large numbers of users
- Archiving of data
- Rapid circulation of information
Many people may be under the impression that because information can be easily sent to the Internet it can also be easily deleted. But it is extremely difficult to completely delete information once it has been sent to the Internet. In most cases, information you thought you had deleted shows up in search results. This means that problematic information is distributed to large numbers of users instantaneously, which naturally results in trouble for the sender.
The content of “Polyplastics Group Social Media Usage Guidelines”
“Polyplastics Group Social Media Usage Guidelines” were formulated for use by the Polyplastics Group in order to protect employees from becoming involved in trouble associated with social media sites. Let’s take a look at some of the content of the Guidelines.
Below we have excerpted a section of the Guidelines titled Basic Principles.
If you would like to use social media personally, please follow below principles and try to use it appropriately.
- Appropriate management and protection of information
You are not allowed to post any company- or work-related information such as confidential information or customers' private information. Also, for not to create any disadvantage for third parties by your posts, you should avoid providing any information that companies or individuals you communicated in business can be identified; information includes their names, addresses, departments, photos, and e-mail addresses.
- Respect for third parties' rights and protection of it
When posting information, be sure to respect any third parties' rights such as copyright, trademark, and image right; also, be careful not to invade those rights. The meaning of "third party" includes Polyplastics Group itself.
- Clarification of self-responsibility
When posting information, you should not use the company's logos or related things include those for products or services with no discretion. You may confuse those kinds of posts with the company's official statements or announcements. If you would like to use them, be sure to register beforehand to get approval. In such case, please also follow "Polyplastics Group Logo: Guidelines for use." Be sure to clarify whether the posted contents are the company's official statements or personal opinions, and be careful not to be met with misunderstanding. In particular, when you reveal you're with the company, please explicitly state in your profile that posting opinions or contents are not the representatives of the company.
- Respect for third parties
Respect others' opinions, and have a respectful conversation through social media. It tends to have debates, but please try not to become emotional, and keep engaging in constructive discussions. Contents you post are widely accessible, so please be conscious about that. You shouldn't use any expressions or post information which cast a slur upon individual or group. At the same time, please avoid the use of aggressive, differential, and exclusive expressions toward others.
- Attitude as a sender
Remember there's no secure anonymity on social media, and what you post cannot be completely deleted. Have a strong conscious of this, and try sincere posting as a person with sensible manner. Also, if you posted wrong information or used misleading expressions, issue an immediate apology and amendment in a humble attitude.
Of course, it’s natural for employees to enjoy social media sites in their free time away from work. But even in private, you are not allowed to transmit information concerning the company and customers. Prudent use of social media protects you and at the same time prevents transmission of information that can put the company and customers at a disadvantage. In the sense that it is disadvantageous to the company, let’s be aware that employees are not allowed to use the Polyplastics Group logo without permission.
Social media sites provide a large indefinite number of people with a great way to exchange opinions. But it’s important to recognize the content of our transmission and be careful and level-headed about the information we transmit. Employees are encouraged to read and understand the content of the Guidelines to avoid prolonged trouble that can result from just one indiscretion. Let’s use social media wisely! |
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