Twethics

It's clear that Twitter has become a staple of the social media (well until it's reign ends) and thus many journalists use it as a communication skills or more importantly as a extension of their CV.

Through this surprisingly simple social network format is not just simply used in professional capacity. An example could be how Piers Morgan has used his Twitter to conduct arguments with celebrities in the case of Gary Lineker. Who swiftly answered his tweet:

Clearly etqiue is required for the use of social media for journalists, even in our un-professional capacity we should be careful about what we say our words our more powerful then we think. Johann Hari was even found to use the anonymity of the internet to attack and criticise people who gave his work a negative review.

Even though many of journalists and professionals add to their Twitter descriptions 'All views are my own' I feel some people use this in a way to excuse slightly unethical things.

 haven't added this to my Twitter descriptions because mainly it's a pet peeve and a sign that some people tend to take themselves to seriously. Also I feel some common sense is needed with this, people must realise that these are private accounts, groups and companies have their own Twitter accounts.

At the end of the day journalists ethics should apply to our private lives, like listening to all side of the stories, not posting cruel comments about a subject like I almost did yesterday about Piers Morgan but decided to keep my integrity and keep my views to myself.

When it comes to social media and journalists in their spare time. An old saying could be advised 'If you can't say anything nice don't say it at all'.