Unfortunately, planking is not a laughing matter for some people, and one unfortunate GameStop employee has been fired after five years of service for planking within a GameStop store. John Mazzocchi, pictured below, posted a picture of himself planking between two in-store kiosks and captioned it with: When I go #planking I go hardcore..
Unfortunately, someone within GameStop management didn’t take kindly to the display of planking prowess, and both John Mazzocchi and his colleague who took the photo were fired. The pair were probably made an example of by GameStop management to stop other employees from following suit.
The Rise and Risks of Planking
Planking, which involves lying face down in an unusual or incongruous location, has become a viral internet trend over the past decade. While it may seem like harmless fun, the activity has led to various incidents and controversies. Participants often seek out increasingly daring and dangerous locations to plank, which can result in accidents or, as in John Mazzocchi’s case, disciplinary actions from employers.
The trend gained significant traction on social media platforms, where users would share their planking photos and videos, often using hashtags like #planking. The goal was to outdo others by finding the most creative or risky places to plank. However, this pursuit of internet fame has sometimes led to severe consequences, including injuries and even fatalities.
Workplace Policies and Social Media Conduct
The incident at GameStop highlights the importance of understanding workplace policies and the potential repercussions of social media conduct. Many companies have strict guidelines regarding employee behavior, both in and out of the workplace. Actions that may seem harmless or humorous to employees can be viewed as unprofessional or risky by employers.
In John Mazzocchi’s case, his decision to plank between two in-store kiosks and share the image on social media was likely seen as a violation of company policy. Employers often have to consider the safety and liability implications of such actions. By firing Mazzocchi and his colleague, GameStop management likely aimed to send a clear message to other employees about the seriousness of adhering to company rules and maintaining a professional image.
Moreover, the incident underscores the broader issue of how social media can impact one’s professional life. Employees must be mindful of what they post online, as it can have lasting effects on their careers. Even seemingly innocent posts can be scrutinized by employers and lead to disciplinary actions.
Examples of Similar Incidents
John Mazzocchi’s case is not an isolated incident. There have been numerous instances where employees faced consequences for their social media activities. For example, in 2013, a Taco Bell employee was fired after posting a photo of himself licking a stack of taco shells. The image went viral, leading to public outrage and swift action from the company.
Similarly, in 2017, a nurse in Texas was terminated after posting insensitive comments about patients on Facebook. These examples illustrate the potential risks associated with social media use and the importance of exercising caution when sharing content online.
The firing of John Mazzocchi and his colleague serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of participating in viral trends and sharing them on social media. While planking may seem like a harmless activity, it can have serious repercussions, especially when it occurs in the workplace. Employees must be aware of their company’s policies and the potential impact of their online behavior on their professional lives.
Source: TFTS : John Mazzocchi (@Mazzlow on Twitter)
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