Social media fail: good meme gone bad

23 Jan 2017 Social media fail: good meme gone bad

Wendy’s social media fail serves as a warning to community managers

In one of the many strange twists and turns that was the year 2016, a once-beloved meme is now considered off-limits . In September 2016, The Anti-Defamation League declared Pepe the Frog a hate symbol. Since extreme right-wing groups began using the meme to spread messages of discrimination, Pepe has taken on new connotations that are utterly unfunny for such a goofy-looking frog.

If this is the first time you’re hearing of this, you’re not alone. In early 2017, Wendy’s Twitter account sent out a red haired version of Pepe that did not go over well. After their followers called them out on this social media fail, Wendy’s quickly deleted the post and explained that their community manager was unaware of the meme’s new connotations. However, the unfortunate tweet lives on via screenshot.

Wendy’s just tweeted and deleted this pic.twitter.com/c7l1nzOKZr

— Colin Jones (@colinjones) January 4, 2017

This miscalculated tweet ended Wendy’s Twitter hot streak, during which the fast food chain found success while roasting their followers.

@dpeacock980 Your dignity

— Wendy’s (@Wendys) January 4, 2017

@6371c5ddf354451 what’d they win? A participation trophy?

— Wendy’s (@Wendys) January 4, 2017

The higher you fly, the harder you fall.

What can social media managers learn from this? In a continuously evolving online world, it’s important to think – and research – before you tweet. It only takes a second to tarnish your brand’s reputation; make sure you fully stand behind everything you share with your followers.

Take it from Wendy’s – sometimes, a meme isn’t just a meme.

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