Social Media Case Reflection 1

There is the commonly used phrase, “be careful what you read on the Internet” – but I feel more importantly we must always ‘be careful what we say on the Internet.’ We develop this incorrect mindset that we can say whatever we want behind our computer screens without the negative repercussions of what those comments may bring. The event that took place at Kilroy’s is an example of improper use of Social Media and the ripple effect that it causes. What we put on the Internet can spread and it can spread fast. 15-10 years ago, information was spread differently. Phone calls, letters, etc were the main use of contacting someone or getting information out. Now with a click of a mouse we can get our message out to more eyes than we can imagine.

Things said on the Internet can spread faster and to a wider audience than we could ever imagine. In this particular situation where Holly Jones made this comment to the Kilroy’s Bar and Grill, the negative consequences are probably more than this hairstylist could have ever imagine would be the repercussions of her upset remarks about the customer service she received on New Years Eve. Holly Jones’ negative comments have created a viral explosion of opinions and comments. On one report it said that it has reached across the states and even into different countries.

            As I read through Holly Jones’ comment, I was astonished by her rudeness and lack of tact. I think she was very out of line. On her behalf, I can say she probably was not in the right state of mind, considering this took place at a bar and her party’s tab was over $700 dollars. Alcohol and instant Internet posts are a catastrophe waiting to happen. It is obvious in her attack and in our society that we feel like we can say whatever we want when it is behind a computer screen. There is a sense of protection and a feeling of anonymity in posting our feelings online. We foolishly believe we can put it out there, avoiding the fact that it is for all eyes to see. When on the contrary, more people can see, more people can reply and even spread your post for others to see.

The manager responded boldly and unapologetically. On many websites he received praise for his response. As I read the bar manager’s reply, I also was happy he took the opportunity to take a stand and stay firm with what he believes. I am on his side; clearly Holly Jones’ was in the wrong. I was curious if there were any articles that were positive on Holly Jones’ behalf, but I could not find any.

One thing I did think was unnecessary was how much hate was produced from the public towards Holly Jones’. So much hatred, cruel comments and I read even “death threats” were directed to her after this event. I think that is one very negative result of Social Medias is how it involves so many people that are truly not involved. People get so involved in issues that do not pertain to them and what is silly to me is how absolutely mad they get. Social Media has a way of making something that is not your business – your business, which inevitably creates high tensions, hurt feelings and unnecessary drama.

            I found it very interesting and pertinent to Public Relations how much this event affected both the bar and the salon that the women worked out. Things we post on social media’s affect more than just our simple social circle; it can affect our careers and our futures. The salon that Holly Jones' worked at had to publicly make a facebook post apologizing for her actions and separating the business from any negative comments she made. Actions had to be taken by both groups to save face and the reputations of both businesses.

            All in all, I found this story to very eye opening to how Social Media can truly spread a message to such large audience. When we let our emotion and anger get the best of us as Holly Jones’ did and we turn to the Internet as a source to get our frustrations out; there is going to be very negative repercussions. We must always be aware of the fact that what we post on the internet is and will always be able to be viewed by more than those we intended to.

Sources used:

http://coed.com/2016/01/04/holly-jones-indianapolis-nye-facebook-rant-kilroys-bar-n-grill-customer-heart-attack-details/

 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kilroys-heart-attack-response_us_568b1b42e4b014efe0db7953

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3383021/The-manager-told-dying-important-Cold-hearted-bar-customer-goes-rant-saying-New-Year-s-Eve-ruined-woman-having-HEART-ATTACK.html

Robinson, W., & Graham, R. (2016, January 3). The hairdresser who posted a rant about a diner ruining her New Year's Eve meal by having a HEART ATTACK. Retrieved January 19, 2016, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3383021/The-manager-told-dying-important-Cold-hearted-bar-customer-goes-rant-saying-New-Year-s-Eve-ruined-woman-having-HEART-ATTACK.html

Mazza, E. (2016, January 4). Heart Attack Response. Retrieved January 19, 2016, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kilroys-heart-attack-response_us_568b1b42e4b014efe0db7953

Woman Blasts Resturant on Facebook After Staff Cared for Heart Attack Victim Instead of Her. (2016, January 4). Retrieved from http://coed.com/2016/01/04/holly-jones-indianapolis-nye-facebook-rant-kilroys-bar-n-grill-customer-heart-attack-deta