(MOBILE, Ala.) Chances are your Facebook and Twitter feeds are overloaded with election-related posts. Maybe you even like to chime in yourself, but experts say if you're a business owner or a higher-up at your company, you may want to rethink your next status update.
"My recommendation for businesses would be just stay away from it," says Jennifer Donovan-Jasgur with Social Media Solutions. "The last thing you want is people not to spend money at your business because you hold a different view than they do."
Donovan-Jasgur manages social media for several local businesses. She says it's a fine line between a business owner just being himself and stirring the pot.
"You may have someone that is very involved in their religion and their faith, and on Sundays will post a Bible verse," she says, "and that goes over beautifully."
With an election right around the corner it can draw ugly remarks and unwanted comments.
"You don't want that negativity associated with your business," she says.
The same goes for if you're looking for work. Pamela Ware with Mobile Works career center says your political views may make the difference in whether you get your next job.
"If an employer is in a position to hire, they may side with certain views," Ware says. "You don't want to align yourself with one side or the other."
Whether you shout your views for all to hear or simply engage in a little online debate, experts say remember: what you post in a heated moment may be around a lot longer than that.
"It will stay around forever and perhaps come back and haunt you," says Donovan-Jasgur.
