Ethics, Legality, and Policy's OH MY!

I find it incredibly interesting that there are so many people that I know who seem to think that they can do and post WHATEVER they want on social media sites and that they can do so without any sort of consequence whatsoever! If you are one of those persons then I would like to inform you that you are..

WRONG!!!

What social media users (and yes even if you only use Facebook once a month you are a social media user) don't seem to understand is that in today's world what you post online is just as powerful as if you where to appear on national television and say what you feel out loud! Whats even worse is that what you post NEVER GOES AWAY!! Even if you delete it from your platform the vast depths of the World Wide Web has already sucked it up and stored it elsewhere! 

I am sure you have all heard of cyber bullying and that you have heard of a legal case where someone was convicted of a cyber bullying crime. So if you still think you can't get in trouble for what you post online then think again, you can get in trouble if you abuse your social media rights.

Sure there is such a thing as freedom of speech but remember that the first amendment only protects you from government control, everything else is on you.. Remember when Phil from Duck Dynasty went on his anti-gay rant on television? When he was suspended from the T.V. show everyone screamed that his first amendment right had been violated! Well no they weren't, the production company has every right control what their employee's (technically t.v stars are employees, they are on the pay roll) say and do publicly. If you sign an agreement that has any sort of rules on social media or public relations you are no bound to follow them!

For those of you who want a career or even a hobby in blogging or online journalism, you have responsibilities too. Take the time to read up on topics such as defamation, clear and present danger, and other journalism regulation related topics. Understand cultural and social ethics and maybe create your own code of ethics as well!

Check out these following sites for suggestions and more resources on social media related regulations and ethics!

https://fromtheleft.wordpress.com/bloggers-code-of-ethics/

https://www.eff.org/issues/bloggers/legal