"Social media" as risk

[JohnGlenn]

What are the inherent risks of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and (even) forums and blogs such as DRJ's?

We know people can be terminated for expressing an unpopular opinion, but what are dangers to the organization - from hackers and malcontents and competitors?

Bottom line: Is organization's use of "social media" worth it ?

[grewjac]

At an ACP meeting a year or so ago, we heard a social media expert lay out a different view for companies to consider. His main point was the necessity of comapnies, especially when selling directly to the public, carefully monitor social media for mention of their brands and what people are posting about them. If/when a post slams them for some percieved or demonstrable product or service problem, they need to deploy a response ASAP to ameliorate the anger and keep it from spinning out of control.

Bottom line: our role in enterprise risk management as BCM practitioners is getting ever larger.