Libel
and slander are common words for anyone who has taken a basic US Government
class. We all know that we have rights
and laws in America that we have to abide by when writing information. But with the new explosion of online and
social media, some of those lines and regulations have become blurred. Do we really understand what is and is not
legal to post on the internet? I know
that I certainly do not comprehend all of the rules. And what happens to us if we break the rules,
even unknowingly? I, for one, have
worried on occasion that I will get slapped with a fine for using a picture I
did not know was copywrited or mentioning a business that does not want publicity
through my Facebook status.
I think
we have grasped that we need to cite academic sources found on the internet
when we put them into research papers.
But it is the social media portion of the world wide web where things
get sticky. (haha get it?)
But
seriously, legalities and policies can be serious issues. When I was looking up some specific policies
I found this checklist of how to keep yourself safe and make sure your bases
are covered. http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/ANowDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=46342
Once
your blog, Twitter, or whatever you are using is legal, it is also a good idea
to make sure you are being ethical. Are the
things you are posting harmful to an individual or business? Even if they may be true, it is not always
relevant or ethical to post about your distaste of an individual all over their
wall. It is also ethical to make sure
what you are saying is true. For
example, did Edward Cullen’s actor (whatever his name is) really die, or is
this just a spoof? You may want to ask
yourself questions like this before reposting.
It is also important to take responsibility for what you say. Your online reputation should be a reflection
of your real world reputation, not an imaginary identity. And, as always cite your sources. Like this one I used to learn more about
internet ethics J http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-internet-ethics.htm
Have
fun with your social media! But make sure you are doing it legally!
Good article ya linked, and also I feel ethics should be just a common sense thing, but it really isn't for some people! Always love your posts kelsey!
ReplyDeleteI think the legality of of writing a twitter or blog post can be overlooked but that article you linked to really helps clear some of those issues up. I really think that sits like twitter, facebook and blogger should make you read something like that before you can create an account.
ReplyDelete