We have spoken at length the past few weeks of the news usage of social media to track down stories, but we haven’t really seen any examples of it. Let’s change that this week! This time around we’ll take a look at a few news stories that made the news thanks to social media posts. Some of these Facebook and Twitter posts may make you scratch your head and wonder aloud, “what were they thinking?” While others may serve to raise an eyebrow or two. Let’s get started!
If you thought your tweets could only get you in trouble in the United States, then you were sadly mistaken. A palace speechwriter in Hanoi, Vietnam got into a bit of hot water for a few unpleasant Twitter posts she made. Mai Mislang, a speechwriter for President Aquino, apparently tweeted, “The wine sucks” after the state banquet hosted by Vietnam President Nguyen Minh Triet in honor of President Aquino Tuesday during a state visit. The speechwriter also tweeted, “sorry there are no handsome men here,” and “crossing the speedy motorcycle laden streets of Hanoi is one of the easiest ways to die.” Judged as a minor offense, Mislang was apologetic when asked about this remarks and was not harshly reprimanded. (For the full story, go to http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/29/10/pnoy-speechwriter-hot-water-over-twitter-posts)
ABC News reported on a British man who thought it would be comical to joke about blowing up an airport. In his tweet Paul Chambers wrote, "Robin Hood airport is closed. You've got a week and a bit to get your sh** together, otherwise I'm blowing the airport sky high!!" However, the U.K. police department did not find this tweet funny and arrested the British national. After being release on bail and apologizing for his comments, saying that he was frustrated that his flight was cancelled, Chambers was ultimately banned from the airport. ABC News also reported on two young aides for Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, who were forced to defend their tweet about enjoying a frappacino during a diplomatic trip to Syria. Although not as harshly punished as Chambers, the two young officials were reprimanded behind closed doors. (For the full story on both of these topics, visit http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/state-dept-officials-rapped-twitter-posts/story?id=11074934)
This article describes the firing of a Connecticut employee thanks to some unflattering comments made on Facebook. Dawnmarie Souza believes that she was terminated due to her posting “critical comments” about her supervisor on Facebook. While the company contends that Souza, a medical technician, was fired due to her past of being a problem employee, Souza believes that these comments are at the root of her termination. (For more information on this article, go to http://www.cioinsight.com/c/a/Latest-News/Google-Pay-Raises-Facebook-Use-Under-Fire-After-Employee-Terminations-264742/) Although it seems as if any posts that people make nowadays aimed towards the workplace will be met with scorn and discipline, fear not. Souza, who posted that her supervisor is "being a d***" and a "scum***," is teaming with the National Labor Relations Board to fight for wrongful termination due to her Facebook posting. (For more information on this, visit http://abcnews.go.com/Business/facebook-firing-labor-board-takes-stand/story?id=12099395)
So beware next time you’re on Facebook, Twitter, or just blogging. Someone is always watching, and that someone just might be your employer!
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