Several things have happened over a series of weeks and months that have prompted me to post this particular reflection. When we are on a social media platform we are afforded a privilege by people when we are accepted as friends on their page. It is a PRIVILEGE and not a RIGHT. In other words a certain degree of respect is warranted in the same way as if somebody is coming into your home. Humour is fine. General chatter is fine. What is not fine in my view are posts that create a high level of very public tension about issues that ordinarily would never be public matter if social media did not exist. I am quite happy to allow people onto my page provided the conversations are appropriate, intellectually challenging, humorous and at times cerebral. Those who know me well know that I have a self-deprecating sense of humour and this is reflected in posts on my site as well as posts from a range of friends who know that this black duck can take it and dish it out. I do not tolerate nor appreciate circumstances where remarks that could be seen as an attack on peoples character are aired publicly in regards to matters that are best aired in camera between affected parties. The acceptance of friend invites or requests may be seen as a part of the modern way of communication and interaction. That is all well and good. Rules of basic decency still apply. Just as you were accepted on a friends list by somebody they can boot you off if you misbehave. Facebook might be a public forum but each persons account is their pitch on which you are accorded the privilege to play. That privilege comes with a responsibility to not cross the boundaries when it comes to the issues discussed online. It used to be said that the test for decision making in politics or business in building a profile was whether they wanted what they were thinking of doing being splashed across the front page of The Age or the Herald Sun. Treat Facebook in the same manner. I would be interested in peoples thoughts on the above. What do you think? Have I gone too far? Have I got the wrong idea when it comes to privilege and right and the online environment? I have put my view out there. It is now open season on Tommy.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:23:19 +0000
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