terrydarden

[terrydarden]

The current state of social media ethics.

I believe the current state of social media ethics is out of control. The moral fibers of decency and principles. Social media has become infected with irresponsible reporting. The false news phenomenon has taken over the landscape, where just an accusation can ruin the careers and lives of individuals across all positions and areas of life.

The current state of social media ethics: 

What trends are happening in the industry? The most current and popular trends are the short video that capture a moment in real time and the rise of social media superstars. These trends are directly related to TikTok and Instagram. There are many platforms being used to express extreme views on social media. Whatever view is seen to favor whomever opinion is reporting or writing is done without consequences it would seem. Retractions seem like par the course. Report first. Apologize later. Cyber bullying, Cancel culture, and diagnosis without experience are also major issues.

What are two current cases related to social media ethics? Amazon has come under fire in 2018 to present in the UK for numerous ethical issues that include environmental reporting, human rights, irresponsible reporting, etc. Facebook scandal of 2021, whistleblower Frances Haugen testified before Congress with detailed information on how the social media giant harms children, sows division, and undermines democracy. (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiymqnv3oD7AhUUEFkFHWR8BLcQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ethicalconsumer.org%2Fcompany-profile%2Famazoncom-inc&usg=AOvVaw1JYaWbCY1ePVcmUAhlLslC) The whistleblower states that all of this was done strictly for enormous profits. This is the latest but surely not the last ethical issues these social media giants continue to face.

Outline the current code of ethics for social media by a professional organization you would be interesting in joining as part of their social media staff. The professional organization I would join is ethicalconsumer.org. They have one of the most complete analysis of the state of social media I have seen to date. They are not extremely analytical but address each social media outlet in a broad definitive way. The categories addressed for this assignment are as follows: People, Environment, Animals, and Politics. (https://legal.linkedin.com/documents/Global-Anti-Corruption-Policy-2016-05-01.pdf) This is the first site I found that spoke of these issues outside of a broad investigation. The violations are egregious.

Brands/professionals with strong social media ethical codes: What brands are utilizing proper social media ethical practices? LinkedIn is reported to have the most ethical practices. They are followed by Pinterest, and YouTube. I'm impressed with their brand. LinkedIn uses a Code of Business Conduct. A downloadable PDF that explains in detail their commitment to culture and values. Ethical practices, responsible reporting, information gathering, and truth to power are key areas.

Are there any professionals that you feel practice strong ethical behavior on social media? LinkedIn convinced me that they are the gold standard at the moment. Trust is the center of the way the conduct business. You can trust that we will give you the truth, good or bad. The emphasis on fairness and responsible reporting and representation is impressive.

Support your choice with evidence. What are some takeaways you can bring forth in your own practices? I support my evidence with a link directly to their PDF for business conduct. (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwij4tyu04D7AhVWFFkFHQJDDhAQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Flegal.linkedin.com%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Flegal%2FLinkedIn_Partner_Code.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3jHgt3LuEfZ0eDAh8ynq3B.)Takeaways I will would definitely use in my own practice would be these:

Our Members Come First - LinkedIn puts our members first, so we expect our Providers tounderstand and support our members’ needs.

  Relationships Matter - LinkedIn seeks to build strong, trusting relationships with our Providers sothat we succeed together.

  Be Open, Honest and Constructive - We strive to communicate clearly, consistently, andconstructively, and expect our Providers to do the same with us. We also expect our Providers toSpeakUp when something doesn’t feel right so that potential issues get addressed.

  Inspire Excellence - Our Providers are encouraged to lead by example, seek to solve bigchallenges, set measurable and actionable goals, and continuously learn, iterate, and improve.

  Take Intelligent Risks - When engaging with LinkedIn, or on our behalf, we expect our Providers touse sound business judgment and informed decision-making to effectively manage risks toLinkedIn.

  Act Like an Owner - We selected you because we believe you will look out for our best interests.We expect you to take ownership for each decision you make, knowing that your actions have adirect impact upon LinkedIn’s success.

  Embody Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging - We believe that everyone plays a vital role inadvancing diversity, inclusion and belonging. Our Providers are critical in helping LinkedIn deliver on our aspirational vision of creating economic opportunity for EVERY member of the global workforce.(https://legal.linkedin.com/documents/Global-Anti-Corruption-Policy-2016-05-01.pdf)

Key concepts and issues: what main concepts do you are necessary to adhere to for your own personal conduct online? The two concepts I would definitely adhere to concerning my online personal conduct are from LinkedIn. Inspire Excellence and Embody Diversity , Inclusion and Belonging. (https://legal.linkedin.com/documents/Global-Anti-Corruption-Policy-2016-05-01.pdf) The definitions above are exactly how I believe my personal conduct would be centered on.

What to do and what not to do: what main concepts do you feel strongly against and want to make sure you avoid on social media? Misrepresentation is my greatest dislike. A very big what not to do on my moral compass. Tell the whole truth, whether good or bad. A moment can be considered anything less than a couple of minutes. A clip or point of view that only supports a particular viewpoint and angle is rampant and can cause great harm and injury. What to do for me is Integrity in reporting and representation. This is a crucial what to do for me.

Bullet point 5-10 core concepts that you will follow as a practicing social media professional. Include citations that you used for sources/supports for this.

Keep confidential information safe from loss, theft, or unauthorized access or disclosure.

  Comply with all applicable data privacy laws and regulations, as well as all applicable LinkedInpolicies regarding data handling.

  Implement security measures designed to protect personal information that LinkedIn may provide in accordance with state-of-the-art industry standards. Code of Conduct for Doing Business with LinkedIn, Provider Code 2021 LinkedIn Confidential

  Collaborate with us on ensuring data security and in investigating and responding to data incidents or breaches, should they occur, and support the LinkedIn data delete process in response to complying with data subject rights requests.

  Data Processors must act on instruction from LinkedIn (the Data Controller) before processing Personal Data.

  Only use LinkedIn’s Personal Data and assets for legitimate business purposes and as defined in a written agreement between our companies.

  Providers must obtain written authorization, from LinkedIn, prior to engaging a Sub-Processor to fulfill obligations to LinkedIn, in addition to meeting any other obligations contained in any agreement a Provider may have with LinkedIn.

Keep confidential information safe from loss, theft, or unauthorized access or disclosure.

  Comply with all applicable data privacy laws and regulations, as well as all applicable LinkedInpolicies regarding data handling.

  Implement security measures designed to protect personal information that LinkedIn may provide in accordance with state-of-the-art industry standards. (https://legal.linkedin.com/documents/Global-Anti-Corruption-Policy-2016-05-01.pdf)

My sources for this article: (https://legal.linkedin.com/documents/Global-Anti-Corruption-Policy-2016-05-01.pdf) and (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiymqnv3oD7AhUUEFkFHWR8BLcQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ethicalconsumer.org%2Fcompany-profile%2Famazoncom-inc&usg=AOvVaw1JYaWbCY1ePVcmUAhlLslC)

[terrydarden]

TerryDarden-Vanity Metrics of IFCJ

The IFCJ- International Fellowship of Christian and Jews is a charity that is near and dear to my heart. I believe in caring and sharing when it comes to anyone and all but from my Christian life and walk this one took my heart. The plight of the Jews and the atrocities they have suffered have been great.

I asked myself "How do you measure the vanity metrics of a charity" when the notion of vanity is completely opposite to its content and purpose. I have read what our textbook says about these metrics but also looked up a neutral definition of what vanity metrics really meant. Vanity metrics (def.) Forbes.com-"The key metric for every nonprofit and for profit is expense to revenue. No margin. no mission. It doesn't matter how many grants you win or how much money your fundraiser brings in if you overspend your budget."

This dynamic in the case of what is to be measured only plays a small part in this case because their hard numbers and impact are not truly seen. We have been asked to measure their presence and impact within certain social media outlets.(Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube) I will only focus on two. Facebook and YouTube.

The measure of the metrics are to be as follows:

1.) One advanced metric

2.) One channel metric

3.) One behavioral metric

The overall metrics on IFCJ Facebook account were pretty good. They displayed well the advance metrics of showing the attitudes, behaviors, and opinions of their contributors and members concerning the importance of helping poor and suffering Jews, not just in Israel but from around the world. The charity shows you there situation. They don't ask outright for money but the buttons to donate and give are highlighted. Testimonials and real-life pictures with commentary from volunteers is clearly seen and the urgency of what they are asking is immediate in the way it is displayed. The actions they are asking their viewers is to donate to help. This site is very focused on the Christian. A what would Christ do aura radiates from it's presentation. The poor widow at the well picture is what I believe they are seeking to engrave in the observers mind.

The advanced metric of opinions of the audience members could be better if they included more than just the overwhelming pictures of poor destitute older Jewish women. I think they should depict more children and whole families and their conditions. This change in their metrics I believe would lead to more donations.

The channel metrics are measured on this site by numbers of those in need either highlighted or written in big letters.These examples are "This is Lena a precious 94-year-old Holocaust survivor..." "$ 392 raised for the...", "THERE'S STILL TIME!" Everything is listed in a time frame that is urgent and time-sensitive. I think this could be improved by just showing the situation as they do. No need for huge banner like words or exclamation are necessary. The pictures speak for themselves.

The behavioral metric that deal with actions users are taking is done pretty well also. There are many campaigns and different projects that link to one another. On display are personal contributions and appreciation for all those that have given whether the amount was small or great. This is a great strategy. This could be improved by lessening the amount of sub-charities to donate to. All should be put in a central account under whatever name they decide and dispersed to whatever need is needed at the time. This method would also lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed by the need. This feeling I got automatically when I first visited and donated my first time. I had no idea where to put it or where the money was needed the most.

IFCJ: YouTube:

The overall metrics of IFJC YouTube are very well done. Without subscribing to their channel the same metrics that they use for their Facebook account is evident here. Mostly all visual with videos that highlight the need of the Jews. The temperament is a little lighter here. The woman at the well theme is replaced with videos of younger women and cheerful children who have been heiped by the donations and contributions given. The videos are on site so that the actual work and efforts to help the Jews is clearly seen. The "ABOUT" page gives you insight into the nature of the charity and its clear intent to help Jews in dire need. The tone is the same as well. It's clear that all can donate but to the Christian this is as much a responsibility as it is your duty. What would Jesus do is clearly evident.

The same metrics apply here as before for Facebook:

The only suggestion that I would make on the advanced metric of opinions offered by its audience members is to lessen them just a bit. I have watched the testimonials and they sound like a broken record. Maybe not the same people but they are saying the same things repeatedly.

The channel metrics that are measured on this site by a number of testimonials on how great those are in need. The words and phrases: Dire, "She and They need your help now", Donate now and we'll send you a special prayer shawl" or whatever items of religious significance fits the season at the time. I actually have no criticism with this just to offer that the seasons should be plainly laid out so as not to miss one that an individual may have their heart on giving to.

The behavioral metric reads pretty much as it does in Facebook but they are testimonials and gratitude for the amount that was given and the number of individuals that were helped. Instead of big numbers being displayed it is clear they want you to notice by pronunciation that "THOUSANDS!" of desperate Jews both women and children need your help. The total family and the plight of older poor men Jews and young Jewish men are all but missing. The husband and sons of the women they depict in their videos is just as dire. That needs to be balanced out. All Jews men women and children are suffering the same fate no matter what country they are in. This would help them improve this metric on this platform.

All of that being said, I love this organization and what they are doing to help the Jews. My critique only comes for the sake of this assignment and they can definitely expect my rest of my life support and contributions.

[terrydarden]

What is social Media?

I personally would describe social media as an information highway. Whatever you are curious about or ever wanted to learn or look into is at your fingertips. You are immediately and completely immersed with "The happenings" and "The now" Connections to friends, family, foes, and whoever else there is the revolves around your personal universe are only a click away. All in bits of data and at the core of it just complex sequences of 1's and 0's.

I'm a casual social media user by nature. I only use it when it is necessary to achieve a goal such as an assignment or to know what's going on in the world. News, gaming, and texting are my only uses for social media for the moment. My curiosity about certain subjects I find interesting is another reason why I use social media as well.

My understanding of social media serves me well in the area of safety. I often think of the COVID crisis all of us had to endure. No one knew what it was and many felt the effects and died from it before it was actually truly identified. The information from reputable and informative medical sites and experts gave me the opportunity to look into and seek the best medical care and direction for myself. I truly believed this option through social media has made me stronger conscientiously.

The challenges that come with social media can be summarized with two words "False news" Trying to wade through all of the information through social media that is outright lies and misleading to get to the actual truth is time consuming to say the least but well worth it to find what you truly need.

I would love to become more informed about social media and exactly how these platforms truly are changing the world. I want to come away with a sense that I will be prepared to engage my friends, family, and the world through social media with clear eyes. That is what I want to get out of your class (Social Media Communication).