Social Media Can Make or Break Us

Social Media, Can Make Or Break Us  - Ask Oscar

   

Ever wonder if Oscar Pistorius has a Public Relations person in his camp to help him manage or maintain what was once a Sport hero, an icon and a role model reputation? Well the little that is left of it? People are having Oscar and his trial for breakfast, lunch and supper on social networks. Whether is Twitter or Facebook and even Instagram he is being chowed alive in what I call "Social Mediaville"

You somehow almost feel sorry the guy because he has no control over this. This couldn't have happened at the worst time. In this day an age where we all have access to anyone, anywhere with no boundaries, no rulebook or even guidelines this is a track full of hurdles for the Paralympic athlete.

A screenshot of a photo from twitter 

It is almost a mockery of him and the predicament he finds himself in. I mean people can tweet, inbox, Facebook or post photos of him, the trial or Reeva and even tag him saying as they wish. What I’ve realized about us is that we have Zero Chill on social networks. People say what they want, to whom they want and when they want just because they are behind a computer screen or cellphone. 

I visited Oscar's Twitter page and I was shocked at what people are saying. People have No Chill at all. Here are some the tweets that I picked up on. https://twitter.com/mitchcompton/status/303839757643956225  or check https://twitter.com/samkelondlovu/status454237806647590912 and she is a local actress. Even local celebrities are taking part on this. 

I also visited Reeva Steenkamp’s Instagram page and man I have to say again No Chill What-so-ver. Check the comments under a photo Reeva posted of Oscar in happier times. I mean who says that? http://instagram.com/p/UBZZG0wPV5/ 

Screenshot of latest posts by Oscar on Twitter

It is also so interesting to see Oscar’s twitter timeline. From when I last checked he last tweeted on 13 February 2013 just before the shooting incident and then stared tweeting again on the anniversary of the incident which is 14 February 2014. What I find interesting is that he is now tweeting positive and hopeful messages about God and life showing sympathy and a soft and gentle side to him. Could it be that that Mr Pistorius was advised by a PR Practitioner to start what I call “The OP Sympathy Campaign” following that the verdict is about to be handed to him? Maybe trying to convince the judge and the public?

I mean its quiet a strategy to keep quiet and go MIA(missing in action) just to resurface a year later on a different gentle tone. The best part is that he uses Social Media the same platform people have used to attack him. He flips it around and communicates back to the same people but in a different tone. He sets the agenda to what he wants to talk about on his social network as he only retweets positive messages from people who wish him well. He now tries to control the situation. Tell me that not PR?

Oscar's Twitter Timeline 

Here is what I have to say though, while we focus on Oscar and are eager to voice out how we feel about him or any other subject. What are we saying about ourselves? What kind of people are we portraying to be?  Social networks are not diaries. Just because it says “What is on your mind” doesn't mean you literally have to go out and speak your mind. Share but do not over share. If you wont say it to someone's face then you don't say it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Are you one of the people who have said something to Oscar? What have you said? Can a future employer employ you based on what you have said on social networks? Do hit me up and tell me.

Remember what you post on social sites is part of building your reputation, so lets think before we post, till my next post- be good.

Yours Kindly Noks J