As Dr. Raman’s article from class stated, “Ethics is broadly defined as moral principles that govern human behavior; a system of values by which a person can determine what is fair, just, right or wrong.”
What do ethics have to do with social media?
As users of social media, we are all given an opportunity to use our voices to influence others. In this way, individuals are more empowered than they have ever been in terms of politics and public opinion. When given this power to vocalize our opinions and arguments, we must not take this responsibility lightly. This is where ethics comes into play with social media.
Where does social media enable us to compromise our ethical norms?
The first thing that comes to mind is the recent phenomenon of fake news. Fake news deceives people from the truth. Journalism ethics teach that journalists should only report what is true. People that are motivated to share fake news have self-centered goals.
Selfish motives will always be contrary to ethical principles. That is the crux of the issue with all types of social media ethics. For when people share fake news, they are seeking their own gain instead of the public’s gain. The public’s gain is the point of journalism, which is why they should get the truth. This article from the Huffington post shares their thoughts on the issue of social media ethics, “Our first responsibility is to the truth and accurate representation rather than stories that generate a lot of clicks and views.” People seek clicks, views, attention, profit, influence, and power. These motives are pure selfishness. We are all flawed beings, so how can we stay ethically pure for the sake of the public?
Working to the best interest of others will ultimately serve your best interest. The philosophy of enlightened self interest emphasizes this point. Here is a definition from a blog “Leading in Context,” – “Enlightened self-interest is a philosophy in ethics which states that persons who act to further the interests of others (or the interests of the group or groups to which they belong), ultimately serve their own self-interest. It has often been simply expressed by the belief that an individual, group, or even a commercial entity will “do well by doing good.” By being truthful to the public, we will be serving ourselves in the long run by “doing well by doing good.” This can be motivation for those who find it difficult to serve others instead of themselves. The longings after clicks, views, attention, profit, influence, and power may be destroyed with this logic.
The same article from Huffington Post diverges on the issue and states, “Social media ethics also is becoming a matter of digital literacy for all citizens.” How can we become digitally literate? Facebook recently posted a moving graphic to the homepage of users. The moving graphic emphasized the importance of digital literacy, and offered information on how to become digitally literate. Digital literacy includes the notion of knowing when news is fake and knowing when news is real and accurate.
Communication and Technology 