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Back in September 2006, Facebook managed to launch and it became available to people who had already hit 13 years of age or more and had a valid email address. Needless to say, ever since then it has become the most influential networking company in the world, boasting a user base of 1.4 billion monthly active users. 59% of the population of our country is using Facebook and more than 30% of them use LinkedIn while about 25% of them use Twitter. 16% of Canadians use Instagram. It is quite obvious, as it is in a lot of other countries as well that we rely on social media a lot. This is what’s happening in most parts of the developed world as well – social media networks are thriving because they bring a tremendous amount of value for their users.
Of course, a lot of the legal professionals have already adopted the social media in order to increase their brand’s awareness as well as their advertising services and to keep up to date with serious breaking news. However, social media is something which is used by lawyers for things far beyond promotion. What is more, and also what is quite fascinating is that Facebook, in particular, has also become a very important source of discovery for a lot of different lawyers in Canada, especially for those who are on the defendant’s side. Keep in mind that the majority of the jurisdictions in Canada have already determined that social media is something which is producible and discoverable if it relevant. Therefore, the content found there is rather useful.
So, with this in mind, there had been quite a lot of cases of plaintiffs claiming serious amounts of money for general damages, stating that they’ve lost joy in life, that they are depressed and others of the kind. At the same time, they are found on Facebook, posting pictures of them partying with friends, exploring new destinations and participating in different social events. This is something that is used as definitive and discoverable proof by the court and it has led to serious rejections more than once. Thus, stating off social media is crucial apart from ensuring that you maintain a low profile from the social circle. This stops you from being tagged in pictures on social media channels.
Considering these facts, it is quite obvious that you need to be particularly careful when it comes to the activity in social media that you boast. This is something very important. Keep in mind that your social media profiles should truly reflect the claims that you are making in court unless you want the other side’s lawyer to use your profiles and experiences against you. It is obvious that social media is having a huge impact on our lives and it’s incredible that it affects the legal profession as well.