Chapter 3. What "Official Use" Means
There is an "official" you and a "personal" you. The "official" you is the person who represents and speaks on behalf of GSA. The "personal" you is the person who represents your own views and opinions. The difference between official use and personal use of social media is:
- Personal Use: You can do anything that's not illegal.
- Official Use: You can only do what you are authorized to do.
Let's talk about the "official" you--when you are communicating in your official capacity using social media. These types of communications may typically occur in two areas:
- Communication on GSA's official sites (e.g., our YouTube, Facebook or Twitter accounts).
- Communication on someone else's site (e.g., responding to a posting on another web site).
What “Official Capacity” Means
You know you are communicating in your official capacity when your supervisor assigns this activity as part of your official duties. Your supervisor should clearly explain the scope of the assignment and what social media tool or tools you can use. This is different from your “personal” use. The important point is that when you communicate in an official capacity you are communicating on behalf of GSA, just as if you were standing at a podium at a conference, communicating the Agency's views to everyone.
What “Personal Use” Means
Personal use means the use of social media to represent your own views and opinions. Obviously, you are certainly allowed to have personal websites, Facebook accounts, blogs and the like outside of work. However, it is important to remember that when you use your social media tools in your personal capacity, you are not speaking for GSA and it should not appear to others as though you are speaking for GSA.
Chapter 4. Considerations When Choosing a Social Media Product > >
