ENG extra credit

Shaun Mayberry (extra credit blog, ENG 1131)
Ethics in writing media (Rutgers student Suicide)

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/09/30/2010-09 30_web_allows_bullies_to_make_torment_global.html?r=news

Ethics in media has been a touchy subject ever since the beginning of the internet. When compared to ethics in the (outside) business world, there is much more space for error and elaboration of the rules online. There have been many different incidents where ethics in the media have been truly been ignored.
Users of facebook should be aware of its exploitation. Posting illicit photos of individuals engaging in questionable substance use or sexual activities can be seen by almost anyone. If users wish to post these types of photos about themselves, they should obviously be wary of potential employers, and uptight family members viewing them and judging them.
The incident that involved the ‘Facebook’ suicide of the Rutgers student was a prime example of the misuse and abuse of ethics of the online community and facebook. Even though what was video taped and presented to the online community was inappropriate and an extreme invasion of privacy for having a camera in the boys room, he also should have also been aware that the presenting his views and passions on facebook expressed so openly would have some kind of reaction. The way the other students used online media was unsuitable to the online environment and the rest of the users of facebook. the facebook is suppose to used as a way to keep in touch with friends and/or networking for business purposes, NOT to exploit people for having different views and opinions. Those who present different views and opinions should be ready to receive some kind of reaction, but only limited to the online persona. If the views cause an outreach or an outside incident then the facebook has been breached due to ethical standpoints and inappropriate material.
I think in the near future this type of attitude and incidents will be addressed by the facebook company. Obviously something needs to change, the way facebook works or the attitude of its users. Facebook-er’s need to be aware that everything on the web is viewable, and everyone has a different opinion.