Social Media Ethics: 4 Common Dilemmas

When you think ethics, you probably think of two-faced politicians and greedy companies, or ethic involved with doctors or psychologist. I doubt social media comes to mind at all. Good ethics is essential is almost all areas of our lives. Ethical decisions foster healthy relationships, friendships and good business arrangements. However when simple good ethics are lacking, we are left exposed and uneasy.

A lack ethics can lead to a number of unfortunate situations. The take down of major corporations, public figures, and even entire nations has been caused by unethical decisions. While ethics is not a black-and-white subject, the decisions you make could affect your company or even your livelihood. In an article by Ben Par entitled “Social Media Ethics: 4 Common Dilemmas”, he gives us people most common ethical mistakes involving social media.

1. The fine line of spamming: We all want to promote our companies and their products, but there is a difference between reaching out and spamming Twitter and Facebook with links and promotional messages. When you promote your product, please remember to provide others with value in return. Answer questions and talk about subjects beyond your company. Spam is never received well.

2. Feuds with others: It’s easy to let an argument spill into a public spat within your Twitter feed, but is this really beneficial to your followers? Social media is about helping others, not about putting them down. Public feuds and calling people out is more likely to damage your reputation than help it.

3. Lying: One of social media’s core tenants is transparency, and lying is the complete opposite of that. Not only are you misleading people, but social media has revealed so many liars that it just isn’t worth the risk. It’s easier than ever for someone to do the research on what you say.

4. Misrepresentation: This also follows from the “be transparent” rule. While you may not be lying by saying you worked at Google and Yahoo, it’s misleading to use that information if you worked at each for three days as a contractor. Don’t use a brand name or an accomplishment unless you truly have the right to it. You’ll not only make enemies, but you could get into legal trouble as well. Be forthcoming.

These are only four of the many ethical dilemmas that can come with the use of social media. We are constantly faced with decisions on what we may think is ethical while using social media. Careful judgment and consideration should be used, as we put out lives and jobs online. Ethics are a part of all areas of our lives; social media ethics should be no exceptions.

http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/technology/article/social-media-ethics-4-common-dilemmas-ben-parr

http://www.foliomag.com/2011/notes-ethics-social-media-and-ad-spending