Mallory Knight
MK355307@ohio.edu
As a journalist, one must take special precautions when choosing to dial in to the ever-growing social media trend. Even though social networking sites are “increasingly blurring the lines between professional and personal” (Limits of Control) it is the responsibility of the journalist to make sure that no lines are crossed. Journalists must maintain the same professional and ethical standards they do in the newsroom as they do on their social networking sites online. It is important that they maintain a professional image while in the public eye, as to not embarrass the entire newsroom.
As a public relations professional social media has been becoming an ever increasingly more important tool or trend to use in order to communicate to your targeted audience. Sites like The Social Media Examiner help journalists and public relations professionals attain a better grasp on social media and the correct way in which to use it. According to SustainableJournalism.org social media can be a good thing if it used in order to maintain transparency.
It is not only journalists, public relations professionals and advertisers that need to concern themselves with their online conduct. It is every professional that needs to concern himself or herself with how they conduct themselves online. In most professions it is important to maintain some level of professionalism that is distinct from your personal life. On October 4, 2010 Solomon Lederer, a software developer, was fired from his job for participating in an online social network without prior permission from his employer. Lederer’s employer decided to make an example out of him and terminated him upon learning of his online endeavors. Bellow is a video from Gothamist about Lederer.
It is important to remember as any professional what you place online is permanent and will always be there for eyes to see. If you post something inappropriate there will be repercussions.
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