Social media is a very powerful tool that is used not just by the youth for socializing but also by the entrepreneurs for business. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are a few popular social media tools that are used for infotainment and business promotion. But sometimes the inappropriate use of social media may lead to ethical and legal violations. We have to be reminded that once we put something on the internet, it’s there forever. When it comes to the internet, forever truly exists, so we have to be careful about the information we are putting out there because anyone can find it and may use it wrongfully.

Copyright and Legal Issues

Copyright and legal issues also apply to internet use so make sure that the items you are using are not for someone else. Know the social media guidelines so you won’t get in trouble. The freedom of expression must also be balanced in using social media. As per firstdraftnews.org, there is what we call the “Information Disorder.”

Fake News

There is false information spreading on the internet which is known as “Fake News.” This is information with “intent to harm” users usually. False Information is those with false, fabricated and misleading content. The effects of this inappropriate information may lead to wrong knowledge and judgment or confusion for some people. Some may even shape the publics’ fear by bringing up, for example, environmental or terrorism attack rumors. Fake news intends to give wrong information for the public to believe in.

Ethical Use of Social Media

Because of these issues, social media companies are doing their best to evaluate and monitor the content on their websites and/or platforms. Improvements were also made to avoid such harassment by blocking inappropriate words from showing up on the user’s notifications. Abusive and harmful tweets can now be reported and barred misleading or fabricated pieces of information according to Facebook.

The ethical use of social media is also now spreading to inform the public about the issue. Be wise in clicking the share button on your social media account because you might as well be spreading wrong information to the public. “Think before you click” as they say. It’s OK to share helpful information as long as it is made by experts and not just by people who want to gain popularity or be the trending topic. Always make sure that you get your facts straight before releasing any information to the public.

How Social Media Can Negatively Impact People

Another is the “intent to harm” users. The use of social media also causes social harm, especially with some teens. Excessive use of social media can also increase the rate of depression. This is because of the lack of sleep caused by too much use of the internet. Depression can also be caused by what we call cyber bullying where one intends to hurt someone through online harassment or sharing their private information on the internet.

We’ve seen the effects of this on some people and it is not good. Bullying has hurt so many people and we see those sad faces almost every day. People saying mean and hurtful words that cause depression, and lead to suicide. Growing up, we were told, “If you cannot say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”  But sadly, in today’s case, it has become, “Type what comes to your mind without considering the other person’s feelings.”

Let’s all be smart and be cautious about the feelings of others. As Confucius said on his golden rule “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.” Put your feet on their shoes, would you like to be bullied? No one wants to be embarrassed or even humiliated. It’s the kind of feeling no one wants to experience.

Technology today improves life in so many ways than before. It has certainly made life much easier. It made communication accessible to everyone. The power and influence of today’s technology help in bridging gaps. But we have to know that we are also responsible for that power. As the famous movie character in Spiderman once said: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Social Media is about socializing, communicating and influencing people in a good way. Let us all be responsible and be ethical in our use of social media.