Read the article at http://bit.ly/nPhATM and post your comments here. We would like to hear your thoughts.
Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW
Publisher/Editor
Posts
Best in Mental Health (wk of 5/14/2012)
7 hours ago
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Must I Un-Friend Facebook? Exploring the Ethics of Social Media
The ethics article in the Summer 2011 issue of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER addresses ethical issues related to social networking. Is it possible to be a "blank slate" therapist in the era of social media? Is it desirable or necessary for social workers to remove themselves from Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites? What are the ethical implications of NOT staying up-to-date and current on these technologies, which may be a big part of clients' lives? Is there a happy medium?
Read the article at http://bit.ly/nPhATM and post your comments here. We would like to hear your thoughts.
Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW
Publisher/Editor
Read the article at http://bit.ly/nPhATM and post your comments here. We would like to hear your thoughts.
Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW
Publisher/Editor
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
FYI, <span>Here’s a resource that was submitted by a colleague via Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/TherapyOnline/status/92630651085393920):</span>
ReplyDelete<span>
<p>Ethical Framework for the Use of Social Media by Mental Health Professionals
http://www.onlinetherapyinstitute.com/ethical-framework-for-the-use-of-social-media-by-mental-health-professionals/
</p></span>
Excellent post. This is something I've thought a lot about as well.
ReplyDeleteA couple points I'd like to make:
1. I agree with the above that it is very much up to the individual to decide what level of transparency suits their individual needs when it comes to social media and the internet. That said, many people are ignorant to how social media works (e.g. how many times have you heard of someone publishing a status update they thought they were sending to one person). Again, this is still the responsibility of the individual to educate themselves, but I like the idea of touching on this topic in schools, as it will only continue to become more and more common.
2. Regarding whether or not to "friend" clients - I agree with the comment above again. It should be clear-cut, meaning, you're policy should either be you friend clients, or you don't. My personal opinion is that you shouldn't. No need to worry about their hurt feelings. Simply send them a message back and/or tell them "Sorry, I've decided it was best not to friend clients of mine on Facebook." They shouldn't take it personally if you make it seem like "policy" - something you do for everyone.
3. Last point, which actually somewhat ties to my first point regarding educating yourself on these platforms before using them, is I have been able to find a good middle ground for myself using Privacy settings - particularly on Facebook. It takes a little time and research, but you really do have the option of showing or not showing anything you want, even to certain segments of people. For example, you can literally tag all your clients into a group called "Clients" and choice to hide things such as pictures, wall posts, etc. from just that group. Point being, a little research goes a long way and the sophistication of these platforms allow social workers to choose their level of comfort.
Thanks again for a great post. I may write something similar on my website soon becoming a social worker
In regard to point #3, Susan, it is true that you can use privacy settings to keep certain things private or only show them to certain lists of "friends." However, they may be able to see things that others tag you in, such as a photo or video. Also, social workers need to think about what the purpose is of anything they do regarding a client. What would be the therapeutic purpose of frriending a client, or of having a whole group of client friends? How would this work, confidentiality-wise? What would a social worker post to a group of clients on Facebook? If the purpose is some kind of group intervention, is this the best place/way to do it?
ReplyDelete