Social Media Ethics

At this point, ethical issues surrounding social media have emerged and will continue to develop. One of the more interesting issues at hand is the voluntary nature of social media. Individuals visit these sites, share their information and learn about others all on their own accord. This type of membership gives social media companies lots of freedom when it comes to monitoring, tracking, storing, leveraging and even selling their customers' personal data. After all, if you're not happy with the Facebook terms of use, then simply "delete" your account.

As social media continues to extend its reach into more and more peoples personal domains this issue will shift as well. Eventually, perhaps some would argue this has already happened, not engaging in social media will be a disadvantage for potential users. Once this occurs, the voluntary nature argument will be weakened. Companies such as Facebook, who's livelihood is the private realms of individuals, must embrace a duty to protect, rather than fully exploit their patrons.

As Facebook matures and future generations know nothing other than a sense of privacy warped by social media they will have to keep their profit motives in check. Their new found obligation to investors and shareholders will surely cause tension in this arena. How can they serve both groups, customers and stakeholders, to the fullest potential without compromising the interests of either one? Ethics will certainly be at the center of that dilemma.