Like any other new form of journalism, navigating the unknown avenues of social media has been both exciting and scary. Building and maintaining a strong social media presence is now a necessity for young and established publications alike. The growing popularity and public reliance on sites like Twitter and Facebook as news sources creates an equally increasing need for regulation.
Dangers
Because these sites and others like it host a casual information-sharing environment, it is easy to slip into a less-than-professional communication mode. This is just one reason why it is necessary to separate work from pleasure. By maintaining personal social media accounts separate from professional ones, a journalist can more easily maintain an appropriate manner when transmitting information to news consumers in his or her electronic community.
This is not to say that a personal account makes it permissible for one to post information, whether it is in text, video or image form, portraying him or her in an unprofessional manner. Social media sites should always be viewed as public forums.
Keep it Professional
When deciphering the correct etiquette for postings, one should consider the same guidelines that he or she would use when determining how to act in a restaurant during a non-work interaction. It is acceptable to share information pertaining to one’s personal life and relationships, but not if it contains material an individual would not openly share with his or her boss and/or co-workers.
Although it is acceptable to voice personal opinions on a non-professional account, one must take into consideration the career complications that could incur by doing so. In professional accounts, the individual should adhere strictly to the ethical guidelines that apply to more traditional journalistic mediums such as transparency, objectivity and independence.
One of the most important things to remember when operating social media, whether it be in a professional or personal setting, is that you can and will be held accountable for everything you choose to share. It is our job to choose wisely.
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