Larter says some of the most cringeworthy situations she’s seen involve drunk posts or pictures. But adds that people can be just as shocking when sober. Personal attacks on public platforms make Larter reach for the facepalm emoji. "I believe the worst things you can post online are polarizing, divisive and mean spirited rants," she told us.
"People want to be heard, and that is their right. If you are one of those people, be sure to do your research, and know all the facts because what you post may alienate people and or cause public discourse online." Again, Larter says it's particularly important if you're a business owner. "That could cost you business. If you're okay with that, fair game, but if you'd prefer to keep politics out of business, you may want to think carefully about what you have to say."
Larter expands on the issue on her website. “I have seen people do this and I am always in shock at how hateful and disrespectful people can be to each other,” she writes. “Take note – it is you who looks bad when you wage a personal attack on someone in public, no matter how wrong the other person is.”
#24 Women Wanting To Wear Pants Instead Of Bikini Bottoms Is Woke
If you do mess up, experts advise you to take action. “The worst thing you can do when someone posts a comment or sends a tweet to you is ignore them,” says Larter. “You always have an audience. When you fail to respond, you leave your prospective new client wondering if that is how you will treat them too.”
1832 Communications helps non-profits with their marketing efforts. And has some damage control advice for then things go wrong. The company says online mistakes do happen but what you do afterwards can break or make you.
Step one is accountability. “The Internet never forgets. Google doesn’t. Screenshots don’t. Own up to the mistake. People make mistakes. No one’s perfect. Claiming your account was hacked is not gonna cut it, especially if later it’s revealed that the errant tweet wasn’t the result of a hack,” reads the 1832 Communications site.
"The best course of action is to apologize for your mistake, show people that you really can see why what you did was dumb and avoid doing the same thing again," Larter told us. "What people and brands should never do is hide from what they have done. Get out in front of it early on and make amends the best you can. We are all human and we make mistakes. If you want your reputation to stay strong, acknowledge when you do, do your best to make it right, and learn from the mistake so you don't repeat it again."
#34 Consider What Have Been Reported This Last Few Months, I Think He Meant It LOL
