The second is that, as he puts it, “off-duty conduct isn’t always off-limits”.
“It’s tempting to think that what we post outside work hours is private. But social media doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Posts can be reshared, recontextualised and amplified far beyond their intended audience, a phenomenon known as context collapse,” Hart says.
“When that happens, even a seemingly innocuous post can be interpreted differently, especially if it touches on sensitive political or social issues. We’ve seen this play out in the US recently, where individuals have faced termination [from work] for posts celebrating the death of political figures like Charlie Kirk. While that’s an extreme example, it illustrates how quickly things can escalate.”
The third relates to social media privacy settings, which Hart says offer some, but not total, protection.
“There have been cases in Australia where courts considered whether a post was made under the assumption of privacy. If content was shared with a limited audience, that can sometimes support a defence against unfair dismissal. But it’s not a guarantee. Legal precedent here is still evolving, and assumptions about privacy don’t always hold up when reputational harm is involved.”
As to your specific question about whether you’re being too “blase”, Hart says not necessarily.
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“But it’s worth remembering that social media isn’t a private diary. Platforms encourage connection and expression, but they also operate under terms of service – and in a public sphere where reactions can be swift and unpredictable.
“Even well-sourced articles can be seen as provocative depending on timing, tone and context.”
Hart said that his main advice to you, and anyone using social media but unsure how it might affect their employment, is to review your workplace’s social media policy, if it exists.
After that, check your own privacy settings and audience reach on the social media platforms you use. And, finally, be mindful of how your posts might be interpreted beyond your immediate circle.
“Invisible audiences and collapsing contexts mean that what feels reasonable to one person might strike another as politically charged. Awareness and strategic posting go a long way.”
Send your questions through to Work Therapy by emailing jonathan@theinkbureau.com.au
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