Social networking (FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, blogs) can be great fun and an easy, quick way to share information. It can also lead to misunderstanding and unintended consequences. There is a fine line between freedom of speech and violating an employer's right to control information about its business.

Writing about work-related activities may be construed as a violation of the Discipline and Discharge Policy - "Knowingly making false or malicious statements with intent to harm or destroy the reputation of individuals or El Camino Hospital." You may not intend to put anything disparaging about ECH in a blog or posting, but everything is read from the perspective of the reader, not the writer. For example, if you blog about a unit party you may intend to share a happy social gathering with friends. Others may interpret what you share as detrimental to the image of ECH.

Anytime you write about activities that involve people or activities from ECH you are involving ECH in the process. Others may intrepret what you write as having the support or blessing of ECH even though you are writing strictly from your personal perspective. This can lead to unexpected or unintended consequences.

Whatever you put on the internet is open for anyone to read and respond. Your innocent posting could result in harm to the reputation of individuals or ECH.

The message here is "be careful" with your social networking. Always think about how others may view your comments, pictures, etc. Whatever you say or do on the internet is public and could harm others, including your co-workers or ECH.