Step 2 - Ethics
Developing a strong understanding of best practice while using social media will help you stay safe, and ensure you don't make mistakes. Sometimes people act too hastily – they respond in anger for example, or they share posts or tweets written by someone they don't know and cannot substantiate. It's possible to accidentally post Is a type of journalism or propaganda that consists of deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print and broadcast news media or online social media.'fake news' or rumours that might hurt someone or cause a problem somewhere.
Below is a list of considerations it would be wise to reflect upon before posting anything on Social Media. Remember, after you have published your posts and shares, they are on your record forever.
Select which principle of behaviour could be best applied to each of the following:
Will I hurt or damage anyone, or any situation, if I publish this?
Do not do anything illegal, Containing or constituting a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.libellous, A false and malicious statement. slanderous or dangerous.
Do not pretend to be anyone other than yourself.
Do not threaten anyone.
Do not be rude to anyone.
Only ever be honest - dishonesty can have serious personal and professional consequences.
Think before you post – re-read and make sure you only publish something when you are thinking clearly.
Try to avoid being reactive or allowing your emotions to take over. Just because you are behind a screen, you are still you, so it's important you never do or say anything you might ever be ashamed of.
Avoid doing or saying anything that anyone could ever construe as bullying behaviour.
Remember what you say and do can be seen publicly and indeed saved by anyone who sees it. This means it can be shared again and again until the end of time.
If you’re posting photographs of other people, you should ask permission before tagging them.
Before you post, tweet, or share anything, think about how others might interpret it - are you sure you have phrased what you have written as clearly and effectively as possible?
Use humour carefully – you might upset someone so think through the consequences.
Avoid oversharing – it is potentially dangerous to share your daily routine or, for example, holiday plans publically.
These days it's common for employers and educational institutions to look at candidates' social media activity so be sure that anything you do on social media is a credit to you and reflects well how you want the world to know you.
Look after yourself - if your judgement might be impaired in any way – lack of sleep, jet lag, or for any other reason – you’re more likely to share, tweet or post something you might regret.