Social Media Policy
Building community through social media
Social media is online media networks which foster relationships, conversations, and information sharing to connect and build virtual communities. There is a wealth of social media networks today, but most popular are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+. The communication landscape has changed with the use of these digital tools. People can communicate among large groups of people online with common interests and goals, and in turn create valuable dialogue among community members.
The MGH Institute of Health Professions encourages the community to take part in these conversations and welcomes online discussion. It is important with the evolving digital landscape to provide guidelines and update them as appropriate, to promote best practices and consistent brand messaging regarding the use of online media. Below we’ve provided some Institute guidelines on the use of social media.
Best practices when contributing to and consuming social media
- Professional Communication
When posting on social networks, blogs, and websites, keep in mind this is an additional vehicle of communication that lives permanently on the web. You are not only representing the MGH Institute of Health Professions community, but also your personal brand. We encourage dialogue and sharing of opinions and ideas, but please be professional and respectful when communicating online as a member of the MGH Institute community.
Blogging, Websites, and Social Media Networks
It is common practice for those who work in a profession to discuss and write about their expertise or experience online in a professional blog or various social media networks, such as Twitter. The Institute requires that you provide a statement on any professional social media profile, blog, or website that states, "The views expressed on this [blog, website] are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the MGH Institute of Health Professions."
Sharing online creates valuable conversations, from which we can all learn, but please keep in mind that this is an extension of your role within the MGH Institute community and will be viewed by the public. If you are interested in blogging for the Institute, please click here for more information.
Note: When participating in a personal blog, website, or social media network, remember to adjust your privacy settings accordingly and use discretion.
- Content Review
The Office of Communications and Marketing continues to monitor media content on the web to ensure the MGH Institute of Health Professions online reputation is consistent with our brand and represents the community accurately. Please be mindful that content posted is subject to review and should adhere to the Institute’s Computer Use Policy for students. The Institute does not endorse or take responsibility for content posted by third parties.
Please use the MGH Institute Web Style Guide as a reference.
- Consuming Media
Remember to listen to comments and think about conversations before posting online. Posts will be viewed by numerous audiences, should evoke thought and be relevant to the discussion. It can be easy to react with a quick post, but the posts remain permanently online and can be shared with ease.
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Official Social Media Sites at the MGH Institute of Health Professions
Request to Create Official Social Media Sites or a Blog
If you are interested in blogging for the MGH Institute or using a social media site to build an online community, please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Marketing for further information.