Social media and ethics of broadcasting

Course name\code: Media Ethics (COM 403)

Prepared For: Mr. Hafiz M. Shoaib

Submitted by: Murooj Abdullah Al-Shukairi

Date\ year: 09-05-2023

Ethics is the science of rightness and wrongness of conduct. Conduct is purposive action, which
involves choice and will. Ethics is also known as the behavior and manners of a person. In
relation to social media, social media platforms have become a ubiquitous part of modern
communication and have significantly changed the way in which individuals and organizations
communicate with each other. With the rise of user-generated content and the ability of users to
broadcast anything and everything to the world, there are growing ethical concerns regarding the
use of social media and broadcasting.

Social media is designed to connect people and enable them to share their thoughts, experiences,
and emotions with each other. However, this ability to connect with millions of people instantly
also comes with great responsibility. Social media platforms are a double-edged sword - they can
be used to amplify important messages and create positive change, but they can also be used to
spread hate speech and disinformation that can lead to harm and division. One of the most
significant ethical concerns surrounding social media and broadcasting is the potential for the
misuse of personal data. Another ethical concern is related to privacy, particularly in terms of
sharing information about others without their consent. Social media has made it easier than ever
to share information about others, which can lead to unintended consequences and feelings of
violation.

Referring to Omani social media influencers, there are many influencers that have good or bad
impact on society. One of these influencers, speaking of bad impact on society, is Ali Al-Issa. In
fact, he’s no longer an influencer because he got banned and he himself deleted all his social
media accounts because of the false content he was sharing. His content was about adventure and
mostly going to haunted places in Oman claiming that he sees non-human beings and ghosts.
People where really interested on what he was doing and believing what was being shown until
that one day where he fought with his friend and it ended badly. His friend declared with proofs
that what he was showing is all staged and acted out, it was all fake and from that moment he
started losing his followers and people started hating on him.

In my opinion, I think what he did was wrong and unethical, because lying and fooling your fans
and followers is not something good to do. Not only lying, but he did wrong by sharing false
content on social media specifically on snapchat.

Ethics in social media and broadcasting is very important because it creates a good reputation.
An individuals and organizations must ought to establish a trustworthy internet presence for both
its own sake and the sake of its clients. Consider the identity and brand of your company that you
wish to convey and enhance.

In conclusion, social media and broadcasting have revolutionized the way people communicate
and connect with each other. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and it is
essential to consider the ethical implications of our online behavior. As individuals and
organizations, we need to take a more considered approach to social media and broadcasting,
thinking carefully about the information we share, the potential impact it may have, and the
potential consequences for others. In doing so, we can use social media to build stronger, more
connected communities, while also upholding our ethical responsibilities.

Reference:
1- CompuKol Communications, Social Media Ethics and Etiquette,
https://www.compukol.com/social-media-ethics-and-etiquette/ , published on April 12,
2011, accessed on May 9, 2023

2- Social Media Today, Social Media Ethics: Why You Should Have a Policy,
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/social-media-ethics-why-you-should-have-
policy , published on April 01, 2012, accessed on May 09, 2023