Ever since the advent of the Internet and email, experts and other folks with common sense have warned us to be careful about what we write online. Every time a new form of electronic communication or social networking comes along (Facebook, Twitter, texting via smartphone, etc.), we are reminded of this sage advice. The latest case in point involves veteran CNN correspondent Jim Clancy, who just lost his job because of some things he posted on Twitter.
Clancy’s case involved the recent shootings in Paris that resulted from satirical anti-Muslim posts by cartoonists at the Charlie Hebdo publication. This incident touched off many debates and heated exchanges over free speech, religious tolerance, etc. Jim Clancy of CNN engaged in some of these exchanges over Twitter, most likely with strangers, for all to see. Clancy both insulted others in his Twitter tirade, and made allegations (some might say conspiracy theories) of a geopolitical nature. One of the people involved then accused Clancy of “drunk tweeting,” which obviously is it own separate category of unwise online communications. Clancy didn’t exactly stifle such accusation when he replied, “It’s my Friday night.” A week later, Clancy was gone from CNN, demonstrating that freedom of speech does not extend to the workplace.
Let’s face it, we have all been in situations, either personally or professionally or both, where we wanted to dash off a hateful or spiteful message to someone via one of these electronic technologies. Many of us have been unable to resist the temptation to do so, and often we regretted the action afterward, when it was too late. It seems that we need regular reminders that, yes, what you write online goes on your permanent record, and that the best way to avoid such an embarrassing or even job-ending situation is either to take a deep breath and think twice before writing that message, or, if you do compose the message, then save it if you can and review it later to see if you think it’s still appropriate to send in that original form. Hopefully, Jim Clancy’s example will teach us that, often, we can and should change our mind about sending unedited messages in the heat of the moment.
