We’ve talked a bit about ethics and its implementation in the previous article. No matter whether it is personal or professional context, it is a very crucial thing to understand as well as to consistently implement, especially because it can affect your own image and people’s perception towards you. The emergence of social media or networking sites challenges the concept and implementation of ethics.

Ethics is not exactly a complicated concept to comprehend, but not rarely people slipped up and missed the point. Sometimes others let it slide, other times they would make sure you would remember that for the rest of your life.

Social media can be a helpful tool in building your image and reputation as an aspiring, or existing professional. On the other hand, organizations also make use of social media to look through hundreds, or maybe thousands of potential workers. Some still have not realized how crucial it is to manage your social media account wisely. It can cost them their bright future. That’s why everyone should be extra cautious as to what we put in their social media account.

One example, which I think can easily be ignored by many, is that it is important to always give credit when it is due. What does it mean to give credit? It means that whenever you post something, be it an idea, picture, video, or a theory or some sort that does not belong to you or does not originate from your own thinking, you must state the original source. Why? So that others who read and see it will know where it was originally from, thus they can appreciate the creator better. Even better if you actually provide direct link to the original post created by the artist/creator so they can hear directly from the people who like or enjoy their work. It does not matter how small an idea it is, it is unethical to claim it as yours when it is not.

It is only a simple, appeared-to-be trivial example. However, the implication of it could be big. That’s why, it is very important that every moment spent is spent wisely. Every post shared on social media has been through careful consideration. Not just making sure that you do not claim others’ work/idea as yours, but also making sure that what you put out there will not harm you in the future.