Social Media Airways-Turbulence Ahead!

Whether you love it or hate it, social media plays a large part in many of our social and professional lives. Any quick search will reveal numerous stories either hailing success or reporting disastrous backlash from the posts and presence of pilots and aircrew alike. For every feel well-intentioned and feel good post, there are just as many resulting in loss of pay or jobs for aircrew personnel. The important thing is to know the difference and utilize your own social media wisely.

Personal profiles sometimes explicitly state the individual's employer, or it can be ascertained through photos, uniforms, aircraft, or even location. The safest thing is to assume that everyone who sees your material knows you work for—even if you think you've done a great job of hiding that detail.

While we could debate the rights of free speech, keep in mind that the right to your job does not work the same way. A general rule should be to never post anything you wouldn't want your boss to see. That said, many of us do truly love our jobs and like to share our good fortune and travels with our family and friends. There's certainly nothing wrong with that sentiment, as long as you are deeply aware of your company's social media policy and follow those rules meticulously. If your company doesn't have a formal social media policy, they still may have a marketing or public relations team that works to maintain a particular message or feel for your brand of aviation. It's always a good idea to consult these individuals if you are unsure. The best rule I've heard when making a social media post is: If there is doubt, there is no doubt. No post is worth the embarrassment or hardship of losing your job. If needed, consult these basic Do's and Don'ts:

Do

• Know your company's social media policy
• Utilize internal channels to air grievances
• Maintain a positive attitude and professional voice
• Be cognizant of any visible company logos
• Follow all safety rules and guidance at all times

Don't

• Use social media as an outlet to vent concerns
• Assume only your friends will see your posts
• Appear in uniform without explicit permission
• Photograph others without approval
• Utilize profanity or any offensive language

Social media is a powerful tool to both advance businesses and connect others in a world that has become increasingly large and complex. As such, we must be careful to continue to interact as responsible stewards of this medium and ensure that our professional presence is maintained both on and off duty. Having a personal life and wanting to share it with others is natural and expected—as long as we realize that inappropriate use of our message can sometimes cause irreparable damage to our reputation and livelihood. As always, first consult with your employer about their social media policy before you seek to share the often fun and exciting world of aviation with the masses. As aircrew, we know all too well—it's better to be safe than sorry.