Over the past few weeks there has been public outcry over the way in which we are using, or some would say abusing, our powers of social networking and new media. From Cyber bullying to exposing remarks on Twitter – we all are part of it or at least know someone who is.
Cases of Cyber-bullying are on the up and people are using the powers of new media to express their inner most thoughts or at least the ones they want people to see. We’re all guilty of changing our Facebook profile picture to something of which we want to be perceived as – either a famous person or place or a photo that we’ve sneakily taken which depicts our best angle.
A lot of the internet helps us and allows us to utilize free PR and media services with methods such as, viral marketing. However, the art of self-publishing also has a down side because normally we would have a certain process and people to check the way in which we are communicating, but by self-publication allows an abyss of mistakes, unintentional errors and indeed intentional unprofessionalism.
The great Steven Fry is one example of how good and how bad the art of social networking can be. After one of his 938,485 followers criticized his Tweets as being ‘boring.’ Fry, who suffers from bipolar disorder, then threatened to leave the social networking site.
Thus causing national and international media coverage on his alleged ‘breakdown.’ Whether or not Fry Tweeted out of anger, depression or despair – what is obvious is the fact that he did not realize or at least intend to cause such uproar over his possible exit from the site.
I personally love the internet – for shopping, blogging and general communication. I’d much prefer to email someone than call to give me the chance to think about what I’m saying. However, now with the advancements of the Iphone and Blackberry’s it is all too quick to be able to update the world with what you’re doing whether it be for personal, business or publicity use – we tend to write online without considering the consequences. Especially, for those moments when your under the influence…
