Redefining Privacy

 

Social media technology has significantly altered society’s expectations and has influenced social culture in redefining privacy.  Whitehouse (2010) states, “as information is increasingly easier to obtain, the need for clear expectations both in the virtual and real world is needed” (p. 311). Users of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are able to post information on any subject matter.  However, social media technology does not automatically filter content, nor does the technology offer any type of data verification.  New technology has contributed to a different type of “privacy issue” (O'Hair, Friedrich, & Dixon, 2011, p. 134).  As a result, users can post and share information that range from materials considered public knowledge to intimate information that may or may not be accurate.

Social media technology challenges the boundaries of traditional conversation.  Social media encourages audience engagement that can jeopardize an expected level of privacy among users as well as incite unique considerations of communicating through digital outlets.  For example, users may feel entitled to comment on social media posts, offering opinions when none are expected or making comments in a public forum that would be best stated in person or in a private electronic message.  Users of social media must make an extra effort to recognize that social media does not replace traditional communication.  “Some individuals believe privacy means a right to control information while others believe it is a right to prevent access to information” (Whitehouse, 2010, p. 312).  Technology offers wonderful opportunities for communication, but users must be aware of the changes and implement privacy settings to ensure the integrity of communication is maintained within a fast-tract world of social media.

 

 

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Sources:

Facebook Privacy Image. (Retrieved 2014). Retrieved from http://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/facebook-self-censorship-privacy.jpg

O'Hair, D., Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon, L. D. (2011). Strategic communication in business and the professions (7th ed.).

Whitehouse, G. (2010). Newsgathering and privacy: Expanding ethics codes to reflect change in the digital media age. Journal of mass media ethics, 25(4). doi:10.1080/08900523.2010.512827