Have you heard the latest in the Jackson family saga? Well, The Insider has reported that Janet Jackson is considering legal action against the media outlet that falsely reported that she slapped her niece, Paris. Tsk. Tsk. There have been so many communications lessons learned in this fiasco.
The Jackson family saga played out on television and social media simultaneously. And it's being judged in the court of public opinion. However, it's a prime example of how generational communications can break down. Generation gaps and styles are nothing new. But when you add a billion dollars, a family legacy, executors of an estate and a talkative teen with a twitter account and a cell phone, you're looking at a potential disaster.
A few generations ago, people believed that family business was to be kept private. While that philosophy had it's pros and cons, namely, the keeping of dangerous family secrets. Fast forward a few decades to the present and people are willing to share the most minute details of their lives with strangers for the sake of cyber support or the fleeting thrill of being a trending topic.
I don't pretend to have any insight into the Jackson family situation. However, the same way families have "the talk" with kids about sex, drugs, and alcohol, I think it's time that Social Media be added to the list. After all, you're essentially talking to strangers. And it's a lesson from elementary school that is well worth revisiting. Teaching teens how much to say about family matters is key to using it successfully.
It's equally important that we all, regardless of age, remember that getting the facts should be first and foremost whenever we are relating a topic. That goes for media outlets with breaking news as well as co-workers with the office scoop. There could be serious repercussions if we put out the wrong story.
So as you communicate in your families, your offices and your social circles, remember that what you say can and very well may come back to bite you.
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