It is now easier than ever to express and spread your opinion and gather and share knowledge online. Social media is a collective term for all internet applications that allow you to exchange information with other people and draw attention to whatever you find important. This applies to information in the form of text, but also to sound and images. Social media can be a great tool for work-related communication, networking, and sharing knowledge. However, its use comes with responsibilities.
Why are these guidelines important?
Even though you are personally responsible for the messages you post and the information you share, remember that your words can have an impact on others. Everything posted online stays online and can be shared. In general: don’t do or say anything that might harm yourself, others or UM.
Also remember that sharing personal data online comes first of all with responsibilities and subsequently with risks. After all, you are only allowed to use the personal data (like a picture) of others with a justification, like for example ‘the consent’ of the person concerned. By using personal data without justification, you are acting unlawful. Moreover, by sharing personal data online you might jeopardise the rights of others: the information can be used for identity fraud or in targeted phishing campaigns. Even seemingly harmless information can be pieced together by malicious actors to create accounts or documents abusing the identity of another or convincing phishing messages.
By following these guidelines, you help foster a professional and respectful online environment while making the most of social media’s benefits.
Read more on this topic in the:
- Guidelines on processing personal data when using social media platforms
- Acceptable Use Policy
- UM Integrity Code of conduct
- House style guide for social media (specifically for UM corporate, faculty or service centre social media accounts)
Social media guidelines
- Be yourself and represent UM
When you are using social media in a professional capacity, it is possible to be personal without sharing private matters. Before posting, ask yourself how you want to be seen, and know how what you say online reflects both yourself and your employer. Almost all social media platforms allow you to set up a separate profile for business purposes.
- Be social and follow etiquette
Online interactions should be as respectful as face-to-face conversations. Avoid making statements that could be seen as offensive or aggressive. A good rule of thumb: don’t say anything you wouldn’t want your boss, students, or family to hear.
- Keep content valuable and relevant
Share meaningful information, ask questions, and engage in discussions. Avoid excessive self-promotion, stay on topic and don’t spam. Contribute to productive and insightful conversations.
- Respect copyright
Don’t copy others’ work without permission. If you share content that isn’t your own, credit the source and link to the original material.
- Handle personal data with care
Only share personal data if it’s necessary for your role at UM and if it complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Be extra cautious with photos and videos, as they usually require consent from the people involved as well as security measures to assure that the personal data is protected sufficiently. If you have any questions regarding the GDPR, please go to this page or contact UM’s Data Protection Officer directly: fg@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
If something goes wrong, act quickly and transparently
Mistakes happen. If a post causes an issue, contact your manager or team leader immediately. Deleting posts is not always the best approach – own your mistakes, correct misinformation and clarify any updates. If deleting a post is necessary, explain why.
The social media guidelines are in compliance with the overarching UM Integrity Code of Conduct.
General tips:
- consider who your audience is
- ensure that you have a clean and complete profile on social networking sites
- write clearly
- respect others
- consider whether the chosen medium is the most suitable for the point you want to make
- when in doubt, speak to your manager or the Marketing and Communications Department
- be social and always err on the side of caution
