Topic 4: SUMMARY – Blogger’s Belief – Identity Theft and The ‘Facebook Stalker’

During this topic, I was fascinated to learn some of the other blogger’s beliefs on some of the challenges and ethics of social media. My own blog post focussed on some of the misuses of social media that can lead to breaches in privacy. However Tatiana discussed some of the misuses in terms of ‘careless venting’. She triggered some thoughts relating to whether free speech is something to remain free, or something to regulate and mediate.

Relating to these thoughts, Tamara highlighted the other side of the argument. Whilst Twitter and other forms of social media can encourage offensive material, social media can also add pressure to curb offensive material. Significantly, Tamara rightly highlights some of the positive power and influence social media can place in ordinary people’s hands. Whilst it can offer a platform to people for misuse, it can also offer a positive voice of influence.

My thoughts from this particular topic have stimulated an interest in the regulation of privacy online, and firm’s and individual’s ability to harness other people’s data to their advantage. Because of the newness and novelty of social media, such regulation regarding privacy is still under development. It is important for people to be street-wise by understand how their chosen social media platform works, and how they can protect themselves from sharing personal data, or posting inappropriate and offensive material. Like the Katie Hopkins example highlighted by Tatiana, not only is Hopkins offending a wide audience, she is also placing herself at risk by drawing negative attention.

For further thoughts and discussions, this BBC article offers some information regarding the safe use of Twitter. It highlights that nearly half of all teenagers using Twitter, are unaware that they can be sued for defamation by Tweeting unsubstantiated comments and rumours. Think before you tweet! 🙂

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20782257

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