In the grand theater of human folly, social media is the stage where careers go to die a slow, agonizing death. The latest casualty? A Texas State lecturer who apparently thought it was a good idea to engage with a plastic surgeon on Facebook. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. According to KVUE, Bret Byron, a former lecturer at Texas State University, is “no longer teaching” after sending a Facebook message to a plastic surgeon that included the phrase, "I hope Kristi Noem deports you." The internet, as it always does, took notice.

The Big Picture

A Texas State lecturer is out of a job after a social media interaction went sideways. The lecturer, Bret Byron, sent a message to a plastic surgeon that referenced South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and deportation. The university, likely fearing the wrath of Twitter, has decided to part ways with Byron. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of social media activity and the potential consequences for professionals who wade into political discourse online.

By the Numbers

1 Number of Facebook messages that can ruin your career. 0 Amount of chill anyone on the internet possesses. 140,000 Approximate number of Texas State University alumni who are now cringing. 30 The approximate age at which people should stop arguing on Facebook. ∞ The probability that someone is taking a screenshot of your bad take right now.

What Changed

The rise of social media has blurred the lines between personal and professional life. What was once confined to private conversations can now be amplified to a global audience in seconds. Universities, sensitive to public perception and potential backlash, are increasingly quick to distance themselves from faculty members who engage in controversial online behavior. The old rules are dead and the new rules are that there are no rules. Just vibes, man.

Why It Matters

This incident serves as a stark reminder that everything you post online is potentially career-ending. The internet never forgets, and employers are increasingly monitoring social media activity. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it doesn't come without consequences, especially when your opinions are perceived as offensive or controversial. So, maybe, just maybe, log off and go touch some grass. Or, better yet, find a good taco.