UM Prof: Congressman Lee's Craigslist Post Bound To Go Viral
MIAMI (CBS4)- Soon after the a shirtless photo of New York Congressman Christopher Lee was posted on Gawker.com along with embarrassing emails, the congressman resigned.
Lee who is married and has a young son posted a message on his website," I regret the harm that my actions have caused my family, my staff and my constituents."
The congressman allegedly sent the photo to a woman who had placed a personal ad on Craigslist.
"I'm not trying to judge his private life. I'm just telling you when you put that private life in a digital format on line you better be prepared to share it with several million of your closest friends and enemies. That's what happened here," said University of Miami journalism professor Sam Terilli.
Experts have long warned that that one slip-up on the internet and other communications technologies can go viral in matter of minutes -- potentially destroying careers and lives.
Professor Terilli said obviously Lee used bad judgment; unfortunately it's not uncommon nowadays as the Internet has become an integral part of everyday life.
"It's a great tool, social media is wonderful, the Internet is a terrific communications tool but like anything else you have to be careful. You have to watch, almost manage, your own presence," he says.
According to the gossip website Gawker.com, in additional to the allegedly sending the photo, Lee exchanged emails with a 34-year-old woman on Craigslist after she posted a personal ad.
He reportedly told the woman in an email exchange, that he was a 39-year-old lobbyists, a fit, fun and classy guy and would not disappoint.
After discovering Lee's identity, the woman gave the emails and photos to Gawker.
In addition to resigning Lee only stated on his Website that he had made profound mistakes.
