It’s hard to believe that most of the networking applications we refer to as social media have been around for less than 20 years. Facebook (about 17 years), YouTube (16 years), Twitter (15 years), Instagram (11 years) and TikTok (five years) are used by more than 3.6 billion people every day.

What started as a way to keep in touch with friends has somehow become a forum for discussions and campaigns, a frivolous distraction (another cat video, anyone?) and even a political tool.

As more and more organisations realise the reach, significance and impact of social media, companies are putting formal policies in place to protect their employees, clients and the business. Regardless of your job or status, these dos and don’ts apply to everyone.

DO...

• Remember that there’s no such thing as a private/personal capacity account. If you are posting under your real name and a global audience views your post, you can be fired if your comments bring your organisation into disrepute, explains Emma Sadleir, social media law expert and founder of The Digital Law Company.

• Use the ‘billboard test,’ says Sadleir. Ask yourself about every post, ‘Would I put this on a billboard, next to my face, with my name and the name of the company I work for?’ If the answer is yes, go ahead and click share.

• Keep in mind that there are no magic words you can put in your bio that will let you off the hook. If your views are inconsistent with the views of your company, you should keep them to yourself, says Sadleir. Having ‘I tweet in my personal capacity’ in your bio is not a safeguard.

DON’T…

• Treat content on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media platform differently to content in traditional media. If it’s illegal in the real world, it’s illegal online.

• Post anything anywhere that you wouldn’t want your boss to see, because someone can take a screenshot and send it to them anyway. You should have no reservations about having your boss as a Facebook friend. (Yes, really.)

• Share content that might be harmful in any way. As soon as you post content, you are publishing it, warns Sadleir. If just one other person sees the post you shared, in the eyes of the law, it has been published.

What’s up with WhatsApp groups?

Whether they’re for your gym class or team at work, WhatsApp groups can easily descend into chaos. Here’s how to keep things under control.

S: Spamming the group with pics not related to the purpose of the group is an absolute no-no, so don’t be tempted to share your gourmet risotto or your kitten’s latest trick.
T: Thank-you overkill quickly dampens the mood. If you want to thank just one member, send a private message.
O: One-on-one conversations are for private chats. Full stop.
P: Always be polite, since it’s easy to annoy others. If you do decide to leave the group, first excuse yourself. Also check in before adding a new member.

This article originally appeared in Today magazine, issue 2 2019. Read the latest issue here.