The rise of social media has given rise to millions of content creators worldwide, with many finding success in this field. However, for some, this new form of expression has led to unexpected consequences. One such case is that of Michelle Serna, a woman from the United States who recently lost her job after posting a TikTok video during her workday.
Michelle, who goes by the username @brokeasshorsegirl on TikTok, shared her experience with her followers, revealing that she had lost her job at a company in Las Vegas after posting a short video on the platform. In the video, voices of her colleagues could be heard in the background as they were having a conversation during a meeting.
According to Michelle, she did not think much of the voices in the background and decided to share the 20-second clip on TikTok. However, her actions had serious consequences, as the next day she was called in by the Human Resources department and informed that she was being fired for “serious negligence” at work.
The reasons given for her dismissal included making a personal video during working hours, not obtaining consent from her co-workers or the company to record them, capturing a confidential conversation, and violating the company’s trust. Michelle had only been working at the company for 8 months and had recently received a substantial increase in salary, making the loss of her job even more devastating.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for the millions of content creators who use social media as a platform for expression. Despite the perceived informality of these platforms, actions taken on social media can have real-world consequences, especially when it comes to privacy and professional conduct. As social media continues to play a significant role in our lives, individuals are urged to consider the potential ramifications of their online activities, especially when it comes to their professional careers.