OFW guide: How 'unfriending' on Facebook can affect work relationships

A few clicks and then they're gone — well, at least those whom you do not want to be friends with on Facebook. Dr. Jennifer Bevan, an associate professor of communication studies at Chapman University in Southern California, said breaking off a Facebook friendship can cause "an irreparable rift in a real-life relationship." Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have become a part of everyday life, affecting even work relationships as many bosses and employees communicate via Internet. On "All Facebook," described as "The Unofficial Facebook Blog," Bevan said several factors can cause a person to unfriend someone on Facebook such as objectionable content and rude comments. The blog said the closer the connection between persons, the more painful it is for the person who was unfriended. Out of the 547 study participants Bevan's team gathered, "167 believed that the Facebook relationship likely vanished because of an offline event, 100 said it was because they really didn’t know each other that well or there was minimal contact, and 84 people didn’t know why," the blog said. "Only 11 said the online friendship was severed because they posted often about polarizing topics," it added. Depression In a "Balitanghali" report of Jamie Santos, sociologist Dr. Jovy Peregrino said  unfriending on Facebook or unfollowing on Twitter may cause depression or a lowered self-esteem. “Natural sa isang tao na kapag ikaw ay in-unfriend, magkakaroon ka talaga ng lungkot dahil nawalan ka ng kaibigan, nababawasan ka ng kaibigan,” Peregrino said. “Kapag ikaw naman ay in-unfollow, nababawasan ka ng taga sunod, nababawasan ka ng fans, nababawasan ka ng tao na humahanga sa iyo,” the doctor added. Employee reminders The technology site CNET compiled some guidelines for employees when using social media:

(1) No ranting on social media  

“Don't take your problem outside the walls unless you truly have no other choice,” CNET advised.  

Make sure that you exhaust all other avenues of your frustration in work before deciding to post on Facebook or Twitter. And if you do, you should realize that even if only your friends see your posts, the truth has a way of getting to the surface. Beware.  

(2) Don't react negatively to negativity  

Several social media posts are negative. It is very tempting to comment on with a rude tone but don't do it. Once you click that post button, thousands, maybe even millions of eyes will see your post and judge you based on that post.  

“Facebook is so immediate there's not much room for second thoughts,” CNET said. “Any negative impression you share with your Facebook friends can resonate long after you click the Post button.”

Do not fight fire with fire. You can always ignore any negative post that you do not want to see.  

(3) What's so funny?  

Be careful. What you think is funny may not be funny to others, including your boss. Don't presume that everyone thinks like you so be cautious when posting a possible offensive content.

CNET said “what you think is funny and what your boss thinks is funny are often two very different things. And guess whose opinion matters most when it comes to job security?”

“Yes, most workplaces are boring. No, you can't be expected to check your sense of humor at the door when you arrive at work. But you can never be sure no one will be offended--rightly or wrongly--by one of your on-the-job witticisms,” it added.

To avoid getting into trouble, be sensitive to other people's beliefs and feelings. (4) Separate your work-related Facebook posts.

“The safest course is not to friend any coworkers, but this is not always practical. Also, your employer may monitor all of your Internet use, including Facebook,” CNET said.

Not making friends with your co-workers on Facebook is impractical as many bosses and employees now communicate via social media.

“Many companies regularly scan the Facebook accounts of employees in addition to the social-media searches that have become a routine part of the hiring process,” CNET also said.

To avoid problems, make separate social media accounts for work and personal use.  

(5) Keep it clean.

Who you are online is also who you are in real life.

Don't risk being removed from work for acting irresponsibly online or by abusing the system. You are accountable for your online actions. Even though being online does not hold you immediately accountable for your actions especially your words, you are still responsible for what you do. CNET said “Facebook and other social media are the Internet version of the town square. It's always a good idea to watch your language in public. - Andrei Medina, Veronica Pulumbarit, GMA News