WEIRTON, W.Va. — How much do you share on social media? That’s a question the Social Media Advisory Council wants everyone to think about before they post.
The five-member group formed earlier this year in response to the 2012 Steubenville rape case. A West Virginia girl was sexually assaulted while other teens not only watched what happened but documented it on sites like Youtube and Twitter. Two teens were eventually convicted of rape. It caused a national uproar over how social media had played a part in further victimizing the young girl.
“We decided we wanted to do something to at least address how social media is being used by adults and teens,” explained Dave Whalen, president of the SMAC.
Whalen and friend David Harrison want to start a dialog about the best way to use social media.
“We want to try to advocate socially acceptable ways of communicating on these social media products. Also go out into our community and tell these kids in school and tell our churches about being smart on social media,” Whalen said.
He called it uncharted waters where often kids and adults get in too deep.
“Who’s read the owners manual for Pinterest or Youtube? There are no owners manuals! Everyone is kind of just out there doing whatever they want to do so you get the good, the bad and the ugly,” said Whalen.
SMAC introduced a website earlier this month, www.smacounsel.org/, to offer some guidance.
“Before you get on and start communicating on any social media products, think of the four-way test. Is it true? Is it fair? Will it build good will and better friendship? Will it be beneficial?”
Whalen said if people think before they post, they can avoid the pitfalls of social media.