Do you ever us social media channels at work?  In 2013, I’m sure most employees would answer “yes” to that question.

Furthermore, do you use social media channels to vent about work?  Would you feel comfortable venting about grievances you have with your company on a social media page attached to your name?

Personally, I would never dare speak ill of the company I work for, or the people I work with (if for no other reason than I am friends with a number of my co-workers on Facebook).

However, I see an increasing number of people on Facebook, Twitter, etc. venting about their job, co-workers, company, etc. for their Facebook friends, and depending on their privacy settings, the world to see.

Recently, I stumbled across this article on The New York Times online which affirmed my suspicions that an increasing number of people are using social media to express their unhappiness at the office.  As this becomes a growing trend, the question has become, are employees using social media platforms to voice their discontent protected from termination by said companies?

It’s definitely an interesting topic, and the article is worth reading for sure.  My personal opinion?  To quote my father, “never gossip at work, people won’t trust you if you do.”  Even if your Facebook posts are legally protected, negatively talking about your employer seems like a career limiting move to me.

Here’s some other stories about the topic I thought might be interesting:

Can Facebook Get You Fired?  Complaining About Work on Social Media is Protected Speech

Social Media: Workplace Cool or Ultimate Firing Tool?

Let me know what you think!  Do you agree, disagree?  Where do you think the lines should be drawn?