Are we accountable for our 'online' actions?

Social Networks, not a time waster... crazy!

Surprisingly, I have never considered that spending time on social network sites, such as Facebook, may actually be beneficial for my future. I always considered Facebook more of a time wasting procrastination tool, rather than a valuable career networking tool. The internet is a 'public' space, where 'privacy' is non-existant. Establishing a 'public' profile of the internet, is essentially placing yourself and your communication network into the 'public' sphere. However, internet users often seem unaware that interaction on internet sites (even with 'privacy' settings) is a very 'public' process. Interacting with Facebook (even on the highest 'privacy' settings), involves placing your posts, images and personal details into the hands of Facebook. Once the information is placed online, its permanent... forever!!

So, should this stop us from interacting with social networking sites? 

Of course not! Social networking sites can be fun and they serve as a way of connecting people from all around the world in one space. They make organising simpler and 'friendships' and 'acquaintances' easier to maintain. However, I do believe that we need to have an awareness of the nature of the internet and users should be cautious when accessing websites. Users should be aware of who they are 'friends' with online and to ensure that they are comfortable with the information they are posting becoming 'public' knowledge. Internet users should be aware and consider the vast beliefs and contexts of their potential audiences.

'Spying' on employees or potential employees... reasonable or voyeuristic?

Should 'private' information which is stored on social networking sites be accessed and judged by future employees? Is the 'private' information which users place on social networking sites truly 'private?' The answer is NO, any information which is placed on social networking sites ceases to be 'private' and instead becomes 'public' information. So, by this definition, is is reasonable that employers utilise any information that is found online. Although I initially found this idea difficult to grasp, it is a reality that 'private' information does not exist online.

What is our responsibility as teachers?

I think that it is important that, as teachers, we are prominent in online activities. At the same time, I feel as though we have a responsibility to be role models for the students and to model professional behaviour online, through social networking sites, blogs and video/photo sharing sites. Teacher should maintain a positive online persona (with the appropriate privacy settings attached) and should always be aware that we are role models both in and out of school.

What should we teach our children?

The most important aspect that we should teach children is an awareness of the nature of the internet. Students need to be aware that the internet is a 'public' space and that they need to obey a code of conduct when engaging online. It is important that students learn self-regulation skills, so that they are both aware and accountable for the information that they access and post online. Students should receive early instruction in internet awareness and protocol.