The Line Between Personal & Professional in a World of Social Media Outlets

Kelsey Pinkard

Kp226808@ohio.edu

Mixing Business with Pleasure

"Twitter, blogs, Facebook, etc. also provide the opportunity for reporters and editors to come out from behind the institutional voice of the paper- a voice that is less and less trusted- and to become human. Of course, they should mix business and pleasure." - Jeff Jarvis, blogging and online media pioneer

Although I think Jeff Jarvis provides a good argument for “mixing” your personal and professional lives in the journalism field, I do not completely agree with him. In the world of ethics, one of the most important values is to keep business and pleasure separate. I know things aren’t the way they used to be; the Internet has changed the way we share and receive information. It’s an incredible phenomenon that has forever changed the way we communicate, and it has positively affected people everywhere.

However, the wonderful World Wide Web has also created a lot of problems for journalists. There are so many ways for us to leak a story without even knowing it, to get caught in a conflict of interest, to screw up a story because our info isn’t credible, and so on.

Journalism is virtually everywhere, and it’s become difficult for us as journalists to separate our personal and professional lives. Why? The social media outlets on the Internet allow us to intertwine business and pleasure.

The Power of Facebook

This video demonstrates how much social media outlets (such as Facebook) have changed the world and the way people communicate.

Facebook influences the way we think. We rely on it as not only entertainment, but also as a networking tool and a news source.

Using Facebook as a Source- NOT a Good Idea

When I want to find out someone’s address, phone number, or personal interests, I log in to Facebook. I do not call the person whose information I’m searching for, I simply “creep” on their profile.

Recently, a friend of mine was writing a story about a local musical and used information the director had posted on his Facebook to quote him. My friend and the director of the show are Facebook friends and know each other well. However, was it ethical for my friend to use a Status Update as a quote for her story? Furthermore, was it okay for her to obtain information about the show and its cast on Facebook?

In my opinion, the answer is no. Since when is Facebook a reliable source of information? Anyone can post anything on Facebook- you can create a fake account with completely fictional information or even steal someone’s identity and create a profile pretending to be that person. A “cyber person” is not a credible source of information. Someone’s Facebook wall or profile are not good places to find information about a person, event- anything!

Another ethical issue in this situation is the fact that the information in my friend’s story about the musical may have been influenced because of the fact that she knows the director of the show. Writing the story could potentially have been a conflict of interest, and she may have accidentally released information that was false or that did not clearly represent the show and its cast members.

Why It's Hard for Us to Separate

Conflicts between a journalist’s personal and professional lives arise often, because it is our job to communicate with the public. The “public” includes our friends, our families, our coworkers- EVERYONE. We are responsible for networking ourselves, and what better way to do it than becoming FB friends with as many people as possible?! We are responsible for telling the truth, and doing so is easier if we rely on credible sources who may be our friends.

How to Be Trustworthy Journalists

As journalists, already we are often not trusted. So it’s our duty to share information that is truthful, unbiased, and accurate. We may think social networking makes our jobs easier, and in some ways it probably does. We may think that sometimes mixing our personal and professional lives is okay, but in most cases it’s not. When striving to be trustworthy and credible professionals, we must keep in mind that Facebook and other social media outlets can be dangerous.

"Don't be stupid"

Sarah Holt

sh398506@ohio.edu

The New York Times, one of the most prestigious and recognized news sources in the country has one social media guideline, "Don't be stupid." It makes me laugh, kind of makes me cringe and really makes me scratch my head. Is it that simple? Honestly, while I don't doubt the NYT on its reporting---this may just seem a bit too basic to be true.

Is It That Simple?

It's almost like saying, well just don't trip...ever. Even if you are walking down a steep incline made of metal with sticks of butter attached to your feet--just don't trip. That's the way social media can be. "Be cautious," may be a better phrase. Or perhaps, "always be alert." Because in such uncharted territory, stupidity is in the eye of the beholder. And, something can only be deemed stupid after it has been tested and tried and then subsequently failed.

I'm sure the teacher that friended his students didn't think he was being stupid. I'm also sure that the reporter that live-tweeted a court case and misspelled a name or messed up fact didn't think he/she was being stupid. It's not until after these mistakes are made that we know what not to do. Therefore I firmly believe that the guidelines set in place by organizations such as RTDNA serve a purpose. These guidelines were made from others mistakes--and they are mistakes that hopefully won't be made again.

Social Media Flexes Its Muscles

Social media is such a powerful tool. One wrong step can land a news station, a company or a public figure on the wrong side of the public perception. Therefore just saying, "don't be stupid," just doesn't cut it. Let's use a specific example of the power of social media. We news people know all about the Egyptian revolution and perhaps we may even be savvy enough to know about the hashtag #jan25 (marking the day that the revolution started), but do we know just how many times it has been used?

Above is a map of every tweet with the hashtag #jan25 on February 11th, the day Mubarak resigned. That is one single days worth of tweets containing only one hashtag.

We Have to Be Careful

With that kind of power in one single social media outlet, our criteria has to go so much further than "don't be stupid." It's an important tool that gives so much power. And we all know how the saying goes, "with great power, comes great responsibility."

Social Media: Complicating or Simplifying Journalism/Society?

By Natalie Knoth
nk362406@ohio.edu

Journalists use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to post breaking news stories, as well as to interact with friends and family. But where is the line drawn between personal and professional? Should journalists expunge any evidence of political affiliations from their Facebook profiles? What about interacting with sources on Facebook? In an industry that endorses transparency, does it follow that journalists need not worry about their image on their personal websites?

Particularly for those journalists with open profiles on Facebook and Twitter, any and all information listed can be evidence of a bias in reporting. For example, a reporter "likes" a particular politician running in an election and writes stories about said election. The question is not whether a journalist who favors a politician should be allowed to write a story about the election, because we all have biases. But by revealing any political leanings on a social media site, journalists are opening themselves to attacks on their credibility.

Social media sites have been the subject of much controversy outside the journalism world as well. According to an article on TIME magazine’s website, even “friends only” posts might be used against parties in court. The article cited the McMillen v. Hummingbird Speedway case in which, according to an attorney cited in the article, “the court ordered the disclosure of the Facebook password of one of the parties so that access could be gained by the other side to the revelant Facebook account." But in a different case, Piccolo v. Paterson, the court struck down a request to sift through Facebook posts for information relevant to the case.

While some users may find it troubling that supposedly private updates could be revealed to the public, the fact remains that Facebook, as well as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Myspace, are all social networking sites. As such, the user must be aware that information isn’t all that private – even if it is purportedly private under Facebook classifications. Journalists must be particularly aware of their actions on social media sites, as they are representing a news organization – even if they do not mean to be, as is the case when journalists are interacting on their personal pages.

Perhaps the safest bet is not to post anything sensitive, crude, demeaning, offensive, or unsightly. But where does the First Amendment come into play? And shouldn't journalists be afforded the same liberty to voice their opinions as any other people, particularly when their profession is based on freedom of speech? Clearly, social media raises many questions about the media industry – questions that will likely remain unresolved for quite a while.

"Journalism is About Listening"

"Journalism is About Listening"
Brittany Bell- bb173207@ohio.edu


Each day journalists face the task of knowing the "breaking" news fast, and better yet, first. To know this type of groundbreaking information, there are many tools used. Some journalists use face-to-face sources while others use investigative clues. But there are also those who sit at the comfort of their Smart phones or iMacs, quickly tapping into updated information via Twitter and Facebook while on-the-go. But does having a Facebook/Twitter while also upholding a career as a journalist cross the moral line of ethics? And when do these sites become too personal, if at all?


Tweet Your Heart Out

In the assigned reading called "The Limits of Control" by Pamela Podger, one journalist, Monica Guzman of seattlepi.com, shared her opinion on mixing social networking with her journalism career. "Journalism is about listening, so if you're not listening to people who are talking, then you're not doing your job."

Podger, I believe, is correct but only for situations similar to hers. She says that her tweets and Facebook updates help add information to her stories, and also help the readers better understand her viewpoints. But do the same guidelines follow for a news columnist who must restrain from revealing his/her viewpoints?



Ethics-Beware

According to an article from the University of Texas, social networking isn't the worst thing a journalist can do, but they must be weary of upholding journalism ethics code and also the consequences that reside if these ethics are not followed.

One example of the negative aspects of journalists on social media sites is when they reveal breaking news via Facebook/Twitter first, rather than on the website of their workplace. Cory Bergman, a blogger for LostRemote, agrees.

"My recommendation would be for reporters to quickly tip their newsrooms first and tweet second — without waiting for the story to appear on the site. First is first, regardless of where it’s posted. Then follow up with a tweet with a link when the story is posted."

A video posted by social media journalist, Jeff Cutler, also gives insight on how to keep Facebook and Twitter clean.



Facebook Devil on One Shoulder, Journalism Ethics Angel on the Other

So if you're caught up in the modernization of social networking but must remain unbiased, where do you turn? At poynter.org, there's a How-To article on "Social Networking for Journalists." The site not only helps privatize your statements on social networking sites, but also highlights the pro's of using these sites. In fact, one of the biggest advantages the article outlines is that social networking sites help find more sources which leads to new information. When it all boils down to it, poynter.org practically reiterates what Monica Guzman had said about Twitter and Facebook- that they help journalists to listen, which is their main job. So whether journalists are actually "listening" on Twitter and Facebook, or just merely reading tweets and updates from others, these journalists are somewhat ahead of the game.... as long as their tweets and updates don't become too personal or negatively impact their readers.

Social Media & The Fashion Industry: Adding Flair while Following the "Law"?

Catherine Caldwell

cc325008@ohio.edu

Instead of lusting after the latest haute couture Paris runway costume, the fashion industry is embracing social media as the year’s hottest trend. With the rise of online, face-of-the-brand personas, such as Oscar PR Girl for Oscar de la Renta (@OscarPRGirl) and DKNY PR Girl for Donna Karan New York (@DKNY), social media is adding a personal touch (and a pump of diva-like personality) to some of the world’s most famous luxury fashion houses.

Mashable’s article, “How the fashion industry is embracing social media,” cited that the most noteworthy New York Fashion Week conversations occurred online using the hash tag #nyfw. Why? “People want to feel connected,” says Kelly Cutrone, fashion publicist and executive producer of a reality TV series on Bravo.

According to the CBS news article “Fashion forward: New York brands take on social media,” these innovative social media techniques used by the likes of DKNY, Kate Spade and Oscar de la Renta, allow everyone from journalists, to retail gurus, to people who are just plain interested in fashion, to voice their opinions on the latest runway trends.

“Social media is an invaluable tool for fashion brands and retailers," says Rachel Strugatz, online editor for Women's Wear Daily. "Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, blogs or branded editorial content, maintaining a dialogue with fans and consumers through authentic and engaging content is paramount in achieving success within the digital realm."

The CBS article continues with further examples. “Ignoring the Internet [and social media] is madness,” says designer Diane von Furstenberg. “We decided to have a presence because it was a very organic way for us to communicate online. And yes, we think about [transparency] but don’t worry too much. We try to keep the focus on the clothes that are in the store, or buy now and wear now, not what is on the runway. But people will always get access to that as well.”

Oscar PR Girl’s Twitter bio reads: “PR girl for Oscar de la Renta reporting from the inside of one of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.” Her profile is complete with a cute caricature of her in a green dress. DKNY’s twitter account follows a similar profile structure. Oscar PR Girl even has her own Tumblr blog, http://oscarprgirl.tumblr.com/, where she posts mainly Oscar de la Renta-related photos with personal muses.

Tumblr's fashion director, Rich Tong, cites Kate Spade and Oscar de la Renta as “two of the strongest examples of fashion brands leveraging Tumblr to its fullest potential.” Tong states, "Oscar PR Girl uses an approachable tone of voice like a friend, and Kate Spade NY utilizes its extraordinary design and content. Each brand creates original content that is specific to their Tumblr audiences."

What is most intriguing to an online observer is that some of Oscar PR Girl’s tweets and posts have nothing to do with Oscar de la Renta at all. Today, for example, one of her tweets read: “Interests: fashion, technology.”

Oscar de la Renta is, in a sense, humanizing its avant-garde fashion line, making the brand accessible to all audiences via Oscar PR Girl. And with nearly 69,500 Twitter followers, it is clear that Oscar PR Girl holds a lot of klout in successfully engaging a niche audience.

As much as I am a fan of Oscar PR Girl’s work, I must wonder how these innovative, some may say guerilla-like, marketing tactics stack up against ethical social media and blogging guidelines. While the amount of online content makes setting a standard difficult, there are core journalistic values that must be upheld whether on- or off-line.

After looking through Oscar PR Girl's Tumblr photos and seemingly irrelevant, although entertaining, tweets, I do wonder what unusual guidelines a fashion empire would place for their prominent PR girl to follow…. In a lifestyle centered on luxurious parties, cocktails, events, sales, socializing and dressing to impress, how does one reign supreme without bending the rules?

While I may never know the answer, a Mashable article, “Social Media Ethics: 4 Common Dilemmas,” does an excellent job of citing four ethical concerns to address before posting content on the Internet.

1. The fine line of spamming: While Oscar PR Girl does promote Oscar de la Renta, she balances these links and promotional messages with value for the user. She has, for example, replied to one of my tweets and appears to appropriately answer Twitter users’ questions

2. Feuds with others: Simple enough to follow; yet, it is still surprising to me how many people use social media to vent their emotions. Thankfully, I have yet to see this in Oscar PR Girl’s feed.

3. Lying: Transparency is key. Plus, it’s much easier to get caught lying over Twitter. Oscar PR Girl appears to tweet truth.

4. Misrepresentation: Be transparent, and don’t use a brand name unless you have the rights to it. I think the Oscar gal is in the clear here…

While these are just a few of the ethical concerns Oscar de la Renta’s Twitter passes, that does not mean the brand is safe. After all, once something is online, it’s online. While Oscar PR Girl has yet to face a scandal, the true test will come when she is forced to react and respond under heavy media fire.

Formally Known as Zo Murda

Lorenzo Washington -- lw925107@ohio.edu

Yea believe it or not that was my myspace and first facebook name. Well until facebook became so "sophisticated". Originally I was a myspace junky. I loved the fact that you could have music on your mypscae page. The top ten friends and the background images. I’ll be the first to admit that it took me a while kick the habit for Zuckerberg. But my intentions were pure and of the adolescents. I just wanted to have unlimited pictures. Sure I would miss the music, but I couldn’t turned down the unlimited access to G.I.B. (girls in bikinis) that girls where posting. So I crossed over. Just for leisure. I was only a 10^th grader at the times.

I used to just have about 100 fb friends and the features where limited to wall and album posting

5 years later…

I held 5 jobs since the day I turned 16 and 4 of my 5 employees use facebook now. My buddy list expanded to well over 1,000 people. —which still amazes me because I have about 200 contacts on my cell phone , counting pizza huts, movie phone, d.p doughs, etc. and I probably only use 35 of them. Now there’s relationship statuses, event invitations, marketing pages.

ALL I WANTED WAS TO SEE PICTURES OF SOME OF MY GIRL FRIENDS.

After I graduated high school I had a dream that I would be a reporter/anchor in a newsroom somewhere. But when I would in vision this dream I saw this a being a 9-5 ordeal. I think about it now and the field of journalism has turned into a 24-hour job.

As if we aren’t under the most scrutiny of any profession already fb just enhanced the playing field. Between friends, employers, colleagues, there’s always somebody reading what you post. I had no idea that facebook was going to age in dog years.

And don’t even get me started on twitter. The page is like a journalist’ playgrounds, but at the same time can be a journalistic biggest nightmare, while that be you or somebody else. 250 characters to get your point across. Needless to say, a lot of room for error there.

Twitter slip-up

So now what? Do we need a code of ethical for the Internet?

HELL NAW

I don’t like the idea. Why is that I have to be a journalist 24-hours-a day-7-days-a-week? Why do I always have to be impartial? The public always complains that journalist aren’t human enough, they can’t related to us, but at the same time they want us to be unbiased. It is not natural to be unbiased. Sometimes we want to rant too.

I hope that fb, twitter, etc can just slow down their growth for a little bite. Maybe go back to their roots. Strictly entertainment. Maybe I want to have my cake and eat it too, but I just hope that when I get a real job I don’t have to triple check things that I say in my spare time.

The Multi-Faceted Landscape that is Today’s Journalism

Joshua Taylor
jt166406@ohio.edu

Personal and Professional
A minority of students that I have spoken to can include their private Facebook among their resume and show it to employers. Some students change their name to be different so that they can not be located as easily, and some just make it completely private to non friends.

Personally, I keep my main profile clean and professional. There is too fine of a line between private social media space and public display for me to feel comfortable any other way. I even go the extra mile such that I include my Facebook URL on my resume with my website and my blog URLs.

I’d like to say that, because of this, I take advantage of the power of social media.

One site that not everyone might use or know about is “Tumblr” and it is an organized online blogging community and it is worth checking out @ www.Tumblr.com.

Tweeting Towards Tomorrow
You can tell who is a productive social media user and who is not, or rather, who is a lame duck instead, by the content of their social media history. Productive tweeters tweet about current issues, political issues and work towards increasing an agenda. Lame duck tweeters stick to their trending hash tags and talk about #oldpeoplesnames or #ICouldntLiveWithout and read the countless other tweets about the same issues.

If one is a productive tweeter, they may actually change something. Check out this story. Egyptian protestors battled for their rights with social media and gained ground on their oppressors.

See the story here.... www.arabmediasociety.com/?article=769

This is an example of what you can do with Social Media.

Watch what you tweet!

Some UK twitter users who whistle blew or gossiped about famous celebrities have had their private information revealed by Twitter! Be careful you don’t get superinjuncted by Twitter by reading the story : Tweets get people into trouble!

Closing Thoughts
This photograph pretty much sums up my point.



So, be cordial and professional in your social media, don’t believe everything you hear, tweet with purpose and keep your head up!