In her book, "I Know Who You are and I Saw What You Did", Lori Andrews outlines the need for a Social Network Constitution. Throughout the book, Andrews relays stories about how users of social networks (and the Internet in general) have had their rights trampled on due to the lack of protections. She argues for a viable way to protect the digital self that is becoming more and more prominent as the use of the Internet grows. Andrews encapsulates these protections in what she calls the Social Network Constitution.
After reading through many of the examples of individual rights being abused (Harriton High School case in chapter 8), individuals getting away with questionable behavior on websites (Melchert-Dinkel case in chapter 7), and websites using questionable means(craigslist.org in chapter 7) to discriminate against a particular group, it is easy to see there needs to be a better way to preserve the freedoms that living in a free society allows even in the digital world. Andrews' idea of a Social Network Constitution is a very reasonable solution to what has amounted mass confusion and inconsistencies when it comes to digital protections. Andrews understands that there is a fine balance between privacy rights and freedom of expression. I agree when she states that the right to free speech and freedom of expression should not be infringed upon unless the speech incites serious, imminent harm or defames a private individual. Just like someone can't yell "FIRE!" in a crowded theater, nor should someone be able to convince somebody to commit suicide in a chat room and get away with it (like the Melchert-Dinkel case) just because of physicality.
As a teacher, I feel the most important element of the Social Network Constitution proposed by Andrews is the Right to Connect. Today, more than ever, being able to gain access to the vast amount of information on the Internet is critical for "individual growth, political discourse, and social interchange". I know it wasn't that long ago when email was not a communication option, but could you imagine not having email today? Can you imagine being cut off from a digital world where knowledge about anything is just a click away? As a teacher, not having access to that vast world of resources and tools would greatly hinder my ability to do my job effectively. That's why I think it is critical to include wording like no government shall abridge the right to connect, nor shall a government monitor exchanges over the internet or code them as to sources or content."
For students, who seem to share information, especially about themselves, more freely and without fear of consequence on the Internet, I believe it is inevitable to protect the right to Control One's Image. Although Andrews list them as separate rights, I feel the right to Control One's Image encompasses the right to Privacy of Thoughts, Emotions and Sentiments and Place and Information.. Everyone, needs to feel like the information they share online is not going to be used without their knowledge or prior consent. I agree that social networks should be considered private places and just like someone can not come into your home and take things to use against you without a warrant, the same should apply to data shared on social networks. Andrews discusses (and there are many other examples found with a quick Google search) several cases where employees, including teachers, have been dismissed for items they shared on a social network which were thought to be private. Andrews points out in chapter nine that "leaks in social network information has led to people divorcing, being fired, being denied admission to college, and committing suicide." Andrews goes on to point out that many admission offices will look at an applicant's social site account and 38% of the time it reflects negatively on the candidate. Even a third of employers, according to a CareerBuilder study said they would hire someone who has photos with a drink in their hand or dressed provocatively. (Ch. 9) With that in mind, students need to be more aware of the consequences of sharing and posting online in a world where social networks are NOT considered private. More importantly, to protect students and their future, it is inevitable to establish a set of rules where individuals are free to share online without the worry of what they post will be used adversely against them in the future.
For students, who seem to share information, especially about themselves, more freely and without fear of consequence on the Internet, I believe it is inevitable to protect the right to Control One's Image. Although Andrews list them as separate rights, I feel the right to Control One's Image encompasses the right to Privacy of Thoughts, Emotions and Sentiments and Place and Information.. Everyone, needs to feel like the information they share online is not going to be used without their knowledge or prior consent. I agree that social networks should be considered private places and just like someone can not come into your home and take things to use against you without a warrant, the same should apply to data shared on social networks. Andrews discusses (and there are many other examples found with a quick Google search) several cases where employees, including teachers, have been dismissed for items they shared on a social network which were thought to be private. Andrews points out in chapter nine that "leaks in social network information has led to people divorcing, being fired, being denied admission to college, and committing suicide." Andrews goes on to point out that many admission offices will look at an applicant's social site account and 38% of the time it reflects negatively on the candidate. Even a third of employers, according to a CareerBuilder study said they would hire someone who has photos with a drink in their hand or dressed provocatively. (Ch. 9) With that in mind, students need to be more aware of the consequences of sharing and posting online in a world where social networks are NOT considered private. More importantly, to protect students and their future, it is inevitable to establish a set of rules where individuals are free to share online without the worry of what they post will be used adversely against them in the future.
Scott, I you are correct in that our role of teachers is greater enhanced by the right to connect. The vast amount of information and how it can be access and then discussed is truly amazing. I can remember a time before the internet and email, those where truly dark times. You bring up a very good point about students and their image. I think by the time they enter the working world the concept of internet image will be very important. With more and more companies trying to "google" peoples names in order to find them and if they would make a good worker, this certainly shows a trend. It just goes to show there is no such thing as privacy on the internet. I think Andrews Constitution would make for a good compromise between the digital world and the physical world which is needed.
ReplyDeleteWith technology and the internet being so important in our lives (job wise, socially, personally) it's important to start putting more pressure on defining some "rules" or "laws" through the Social Network Constitution. With creating our own second self and putting our lives on the internet (even if we think it's private), it's important now more then ever that we can be assured that we'll be protected. Yes, like you said, there is the 1st amendment and free speech is viable on the internet, but who's going to protect those whose lives have been ruined by that same right? I'm not sure if social networks should be considered private places, but I do believe that the people who post slanderous thoughts or defame others should be held responsible and the websites where they are posted on should do more to not let that happen.
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