Social Media Accounts and My Thoughts
Social media accounts are a way to bridge you and your audience. They allow you to connect with your audience via the posts you upload or stories you construct. However, there should be a clear separation between posts that are professional and personal.
Multiple accounts
Having multiple accounts on social media allows you to have different platforms on which you can post different types of content.
By having multiple accounts you can keep your personal and professional affairs separated, with little risk of content bleeding over from account to account.
This also allows you to have more control over what you post on your accounts, as with a single social media account you have to be more aware of the types of posts you make.
Issues with Company Owned Social Media Account
With multiple social media accounts there come many concerns on the type of content that is posted and what are the implications it can make, more so professional social media accounts.
However, these concerns do not warrant the need for executives or employers to have the right to manage the account and what is posted on it.
Having these accounts owned by employers could prevent the poster from posting certain messages which the employer doesn’t agree with, possibly gatekeeping other posts from being posted.
With these social media accounts, it should be the poster’s right to manage the post and ensure the contents do not affect any person in a negative way, not the employers.
Ways to Remedy This Issue
There are guidelines companies and employees can follow to ensure the proper use of social media. Companies and publications such as the Associated Press and New York Times have guidelines in place to ensure the safety of the reporter and their adherence to the proper use of social media. Here are some:
Treat others with respect on social media
Do not assume people have not carefully read your post/works
Be mindful of the links you post as they can affect your presentation of objectivity
Avoid conflict on social media and talk to superiors when there are
Be as objective as you can
Conclusion
Social media offers many ways to connect audiences with the writers. Achieving this requires a balance between expressing one’s voice and adhering to guidelines; when achieved can engage the audience in conversations and inform them about important events or conflicts.