Recently, Celeste Katz from Daily Politics, posted a blog post about Senator Diane Savino’s warning on Facebook. She urges politicians not to sext or post inappropriate content on their personal communication devices. The suggestion comes after years of controversial crises between politicians and often times underage individuals. For instance, Katz states, “Anthony Weiner’s mayoral campaign imploded after it was revealed he had kept sexting with online strangers even after resigning from Congress for the same behavior.”

In my most recent post, I describe the benefits of online presence for businesses, however Weiner’s downfall is one example of how an online presence can negatively affect an individual. I think that between businesses and politicians, the benefits of online communication can become wishy-washy. I believe politicians should have limited communication via phone and the internet. This decreases the potential for politicians to sext and post inappropriate comments that may negatively affect their reputation as a campaign participant and a member of a party. However, I do think its important that the party itself and the representative update and inform the public of their progress by having a PR spokesperson speak on their behalf. When a politician inappropriately represents his or herself it not only generates negatively publicity, but reflects poorly on the party as a whole. For example during Weiner’s scandal, the Republican party was also affected negatively.

In order to handle this crisis, Anthony Weiner needs to readdress his public audience, the Republican Party in this case, and insure them of his future objectives to distract them for the scandal. However, he first needs to take responsibility for his actions and explain to the public that his behavior will not affect his campaign performance.

It is difficult to come back from a scandal such as this, but in order to remedy the situation and restore a damaged reputation, a politician needs to refocus the public’s attention on more influential and important matters.

Image credit: New York Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2014/02/ny-senates-diane-savinos-valentines-day-message-to-male-politicos-stop-sexting)