Discuss ONE of the ethical issues raised by educational OR business use of social media that you consider to be particularly significant.
In recent years, thanks to the huge growth in the use of various social media networks around the world, many people have found their “voices” online. Through the use of platforms such as Facebook and twitter, sharing of our thoughts has become something that is instantaneously shared with the rest of the world with a click on the post or share button.
Credits: Prismatic
Many a time, we focus on the positive aspect of social media platforms in that they help to connect the world. Many fail to see or choose to ignore the signs that it is also where cyber-bullying or online harassment has taken flight.
No age group is neglected from having witness or experience some form of online harassment at some point of their lives. A staggering 73% of all internet users is said to at least have experienced it once.
As expected, the age group that it happens to the most is teenagers and young adults in schools ranging from 18-29 years old.
credits: youtube
Cyber bullying takes place most often on social media networks and the main reason for the growing trends is due to the power of being anonymous through the creation of various accounts.
It might seem like something that is not a big concern however, a 2011 youth risk behaviour survey showed that all it takes it a single cyberbullying occurrence to increase the chance of the child committing suicide compared to if he/she was not bullied.
Credits: http://www.modworks.com
I feel for ethical use of social media to ensure that it is used in the right way to benefit students and to eliminate cyberbullying, it has to start from the school. By ensuring that teachers and schools work hand in hand with internet service provides to track down the bullies and also working with local authorities to increase the punishments for cyberbullying, I believe step by step, cyberbully can be stopped.
Duggan.M(2014) Available at http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/10/22/part-5-witnessing-harassment-online/
(2011) Available at http://www.cyberwellness.org.sg/SitePages/PublicResourceTopicPage.aspx?Topic=Cyber%20Bullying&Cat=82
(2011) Available at http://www.cdc.gov/features/YRBS/
ianjael90 
Hi ian!
Great explaination in your post! I strongly agree that is has to start from the school, who is more likely to be the root rather then social media itself. Social media is just a tool, it is the users who have the ability to turn the tool into purpose for good use or bad use. The organizations whether schools or companies, have the social responsibility of controlling the unethical use of social media. The online and internet advancement has made bullying grow into a whole different level, a more severe level which was proven by the evidence that you have mentioned with the 2011 youth risk behaviour survey. It is a serious matter, especially for students who are still young. The things that happen at their ages can heavily impact their future and who they will grow to be. It is then crucial for the world’s future too. If the users of social media cannot control themselves, then the organizations like mentioned should help. If the organizations cannot help, then maybe social media can help, promote ethical use etc. The government should help promote too, influencing parents or anyone to help too. Everyone related should lend a helping hand don’t you think?
Cheers
Patricia PU
LikeLike
Pingback: 4.0 A Reflection Summary: Ethical Issues raised by Business or Educational Use of Social Media | SOWINZ
Hi Ian,
Enjoyed reading your post! I especially liked how you linked the ethical issues of social media to cyber-bullying.
I agree on your point that the main reason for the growing trends is due to the power of being anonymous through the creation of various accounts. This brings back to what I’ve shared in Topic 2 where many of us use online identity opportunities with positive intentions but others may not think likewise, which results to cases such as cyber bullying, online scams and being ‘catfished’. (http://yjangie.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/is-your-digital-footprint-within-your-control/)
Personally, I feel that cyber bullying can bring about dire consequences to adolescents and teens and such severe issues shouldn’t be taken lightly. Based on cyber-bullying statistics, 1 in 3 teens have experienced cyber-threats online and over 25% have been bullied repeatedly through cell phones or the Internet. Do you agree with me that schools should have more control over cyber-bullying policies, since it’s very likely the bullying can occur during school hours? Other than having the authority to punish students who harm others, what do you think are the other platforms to curb this problem? Would love to hear from you 🙂
Looking forward to your reply, cheers!
References:
(2014). . [ONLINE] Available at: http://bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html [Last Accessed 8 December 2014.]
LikeLike
Pingback: Reflective Summary on the Ethical Implications of Social Media Use | Angie Ng