Teaching Canada's first Internet law course in 1998, Martin Kratz often told students that when it comes to the things people say in e-mails, "it appears all higher brain function ceases until the second after you press send."
The same, Mr. Kratz adds today, is true of social media, except we now have many more ways to hit send, post or tweet to express whatever might be better left in the subterranean depths of our minds. Today, with social networking platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and whatever trends next – people have numerous ways to embarrass themselves, their family and friends and their employer, in front of millions. Here come the pink slips.
Lexpert contributor Anthony Davis reports on managing social-media risk at www.lexpert.ca