What the heck were you thinking?
That’s the question that came to mind during the past year after Malaysia Airlines, Starbucks, American Apparel, and other major brands and celebrities unleashed ill-conceived social media campaigns. Social media is a fast-flowing river, and navigating it can be as tricky as guiding a kayak on Class V rapids. However, the following dozen misfires, blunders and faux pas prove that organizations need to think before they act; have social media teams review proposed campaigns and tweets before posting; understand their own brand images; and simply practice good old common sense.
Here are 12 of the past year’s most stunning social media misfires, in alphabetical order. (For more social disasters, read “12 shocking social media horror stories.” For the flip side, check out “12 standout social media success stories.”)
