Is “super hero” the new “rock star” in social media circles? I hope not. I was hoping these terms were fading away. When I see people referring to themselves and others as “rock stars” or “ninjas” it makes me cringe as a professional. You are not a “rock star” unless you are Mick Jagger. Same goes for “guru.” If you aren’t well versed in Hindu teachings then no “guru” title for you.
I’ll be honest I’m an outsider to the social media sub-culture, so I don’t know how this lexicon started nor do I use it. What I do know is it needs to stop. Perception is reality. The words you use to define yourself and others carry weight affecting your interactions with others. First impressions count.
Social media is maturing. It is now a creditable communications channel used in business and government. Think about it, would you call someone a “super hero” in a business meeting and actually mean it a good way? If you were looking to hire someone and you saw them describe themselves as a “ninja”, what is your first thought? And be honest.
So stop it. It isn’t helping your creditability. Nor the field of social media.
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Ann Marie van den Hurk, APR, is an accredited public relations professional with over a decade experience bridging the gap between traditional public relations and emerging technologies. Need help reaching your business’s customers, call 302.563.992 to schedule an initial consultation, or contact Mind The Gap Public Relations.
