Why A Code Of Ethics Is Important For Social Media

For as long as social media has been around it has always been known as a very open-minded place, but it is also a very unethical community as well. People tend to say whatever they want and the whole purpose is to get a reaction from other users viewing. Though people have their opinions with the unethical things that happen on social media, it is supposed to be a place that allows being different and not being like everyone else, but instead it is a place where majority of the world likes to create problems and unnecessary drama over things such as politics, memes, everyday life events, and so on. Compared to what it was like ten years ago to now it is very, very different. Since social media is its own thing and has no code of ethics, meaning some type of guidelines that enforce certain rules or regulations to keep something professional and approach problems more easily, it has become a place where people are victims of cyberbullying, revenge porn, stalking and many more issues that were at one point not something to really worry about. Such ethics could possibly be a turn around for social media as a whole to come together and stick up for one another instead of being cruel and cold hearted to each other.

There are many reasons a code of ethics could play a big role in today’s society that can change the way society acts on social media and can even solve unresolved issues. First, these ethics could have us all for once understand each other and conclude that we are all different from one another with different opinions, values, and beliefs that make us all separate individuals. Two, it could keep us more aware and mindful from being victims in certain situations and just avoiding conflicts that could easily be avoided. And thirdly, this can be a stepping stone to an even safer place within social media for our next generations to come so we can avoid all problems that this generation and before has gone through. Though social media does not come with warning signs, it certainly is a place to be careful in and to remember that everything stays on the internet forever even if it does get deleted. Social media is basically taking control over the world and over us human beings slowly but surely to achieve this, but if we encourage such ethics maybe people would actually follow through.

In other instances, there are going to be many people who don’t agree simply because it violates our citizen rights which could be backed up by the 1^st amendment and freedom of speech which allows us to express our thoughts and opinions online and in person. Though that is indeed stating true facts, there is a very big difference when voicing an opinion and simply being down right insensitive to other people and their opinions. Yes, we can say what we want freely, but with a code of ethics this can prevent the unnecessary online wars and fights that come with speaking about what we believe is right.

An example where a code of ethics could definitely take place in today’s society with a really well-known challenge going on called the “Momo Challenge”. It is basically a creepy picture that has been going around on YouTube Kids randomly popping up on videos persuading kids to cut themselves, turn on the stove when their parents are asleep, and just do what Momo says or she’ll kill you. Many kids have been affected by it by being very scared to sleep at night or not being themselves after seeing that creepy smile. A code of ethics could really help in this situation by simply removing videos with Momo in it once detected or flagged by other users who may have saw it. YouTube apparently has taken some time from taking the videos down until it got more attention and awareness. The code of ethics could also just put those certain videos on hold or have them blocked from letting kids see the creepy smile and having them have nightmares. Not only did it end up on YouTube Kids, apparently if you download the app WhatsApp and text Momo to a certain number, she will send you creepy pictures and will continue to do it until you end your life. This is why a code of ethics is much needed to prevent unwanted suicides and to just keep kids safe in an environment that is already supposed to be safe, but apparently is not anymore. The picture of Momo is below and WARNING: IT IS VERY CREEPY AND PROBABLY DISTURBING FOR SOME VIEWERS. Viewer discretion advised.

In conclusion, a code of ethics on social media can change today’s society and prepare it to be an even safer place for the next generations to come. It seems that everyday some type of suicides, murders, bullying, and so much more all start from social media which can easily be prevented if such guidelines were enforced. So, I hope social media in the future grows and strives to be better for its users for time to come.