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Nyah Vanover

The current state of social media ethics: what trends are happening in the industry?

Right now, social media ethics are a big topic because platforms like TikTok and Instagram are always being talked about in the news. A lot of influencers don't always clearly say when something is sponsored, which is something that has been discussed in class readings and articles about social media ethics. There are also concerns about privacy and how companies use people's data. I think people are starting to notice these issues more and care about them. This matters because if people don't trust what they see online, they won't believe anything.

What are two current cases related to social media ethics?

One issue is influencers not clearly saying when something is an ad, which can trick people into thinking it's their real opinion. Another issue is companies collecting user data without people fully understanding it. Both these are important because they affect trust. If people feel misled or like their privacy isn't respected, they won't feel comfortable online. That's why these problems keep coming up.

Outline the current code of ethics for social media by a professional organization you would be interested in joining

If I worked for a company media company, I would expect them to follow a code of ethics that focuses on honesty, transparency, and respect. They should clearly say when something is sponsored and not mislead people. They should also protect users' privacy and not misuse their information. Another important thing is being respectful when interacting with followers. This matters because it builds trust and helps the company have a good reputation.

What brands are utilizing proper social media ethical practices?

I think Nike is a good example because they are open about their messaging and what they support. Another example is Apple because they focus a lot on protecting user privacy. These brands stand out because they are clear about what they do and don't try to hide things. This helps people trust them more. When brands are honest, people are more likely to support them.

Are there any professionals that you feel practice strong ethical behavior on social media?

A professional that has strong ethics on social media would have to be Mr.Beast. He is a good example because he is really open about what he does and shows what he is giving back to people. Mr.Beast shows where his money goes and how it actually helps people. He also clearly labels when something is sponsored, which shows transparency. I also think smaller creators who clearly label ads are doing the right thing too. When an influencer is honest, it makes people trust them more, which is really important on social media. The articles we read also explained how being transparent and honest is one of the most important parts of ethical social media.

What main concepts do you think are necessary to adhere to for your own personal conduct online?

Some important concepts are honesty, respect, and being real. People should always be truthful and not try to trick or deceive others. It's also important to think before posting because things can spread really fast online. Showing respect to others is also a big part of it. These things help make social media a safer and more positive space.

What main concepts do you feel strongly against and want to make sure you avoid on social media?

I don't agree with misleading ads or fake promotions. I also think that spreading false information is a big problem. Another thing is invading people's privacy or sharing things without permission because it can upset others. These things make social media worse, when it should be more positive. People should feel safe while using social media.

List 5-10 core concepts that you will follow as a practicing social media professional

>Be honest in all posts

>Clearly say when something is sponsored or an ad

>Respect people's privacy and personal information

>Do not spread false or misleading information

>Be respectful when interacting with others online

>Think before posting anything

>Stay authentic and not fake

>Take responsibility for mistakes and fix them

>Avoid posting harmful or offensive content

Sources:

> Freberg, K. Social Media for Strategic Communication (Ch. 2 & 8)

> Poynter Institute, "The fault is ours when it comes to social media ethics"

> "Five principles for ethical social media use for businesses"

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Nyah Vanover

Come help a bigger cause, rather than not helping these little paws

In the world there are lots of nonprofit organizations and It's important for nonprofit organizations to expand their audience, especially with using social media. It helps them with the primary goals like fundraising. Usually social media is overlooked but in reality, social media is a great platform to use. It has a wider audience range than other things that may help the organization.

One organization that comes to my mind is the potter league, it is very local to my area. They are widely known in my area for helping animals find homes or giving a second home a chance, giving pet care, or a shelter for them. Also they provide summer jobs to kids that may be looking for one at the shelter helping. They have a social media presence that they use to help the animals that are in need, they also have donation centers and fundraisers that help give back to those animals. The platforms that they have the most following on are Instagram and Facebook.

Adopt - Potter League For Animals

Adoptable Animals Discover the joy of welcoming a new and appreciative friend into your life every day. Explore our live feed showcasing ani

On Instagram they are very active in posting fundraising events that are to come up or things about the pets in the shelter. They have 16.6k followers on Instagram, which is a lot since they are in a small town. From looking at their posts it shows that they can get different amounts of likes on each post. The range of likes is between 13 to eight hundred. The most recent post is about a fundraiser that is called "the Bark & Boogie" that is happening on April 11th 2026. That post got 101 likes, one comment, 5 re-post, and 11 shares. It is an event that raises critical funds for pets, but also to bond with the people who love them. Providing craft cocktails, a lively dance floor, and great food while supporting your beloved pets. This is a great way to promote their organization and help spread the word.

Potter League for Animals (@potterleague) • Instagram photos and videos

17K Followers, 858 Following, 3,082 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Potter League for Animals (@potterleague)

On their Facebook it's similar to Instagram, except for the follower count. They have 50k followers on Facebook, which is way more than they have on Instagram. While looking at their Facebook they seem to have similar posts to Instagram. Promoting fundraisers, talking about animals that need help or that are lost and or looking for a home. This is also a good way of helping out, but it could be beneficial to post other things as well instead of having posting things that are just like the Instagram account.

One thing that is different about their Facebook is that they have 6.1k posts, unlike Instagram that has 3,082 posts. With both these social media platforms it will help the organization, but there are some other ways that they bond with the community besides social media. Like going to the local grocery store and handing out flyers, maybe inviting a school to the organization to tell them about what the organization does or may do, or even sell baked goods and give the profits to the organization. But there are two groups of people that follow the organization and get the quickest updates on what's going on with them through social media. Then there are the non-followers that just look at the content instead of being a part of the cause. These are the best ways for them to help expand the organization's reach to the audience, but they should also do more engaging things to get more people's attention and find better ways to put their message out there.

[blogger673]

Nyah Vanover

I have been using social media since I was 12, and still use it today. It is a way to contact friends and see what is going on in the world. There are many social media influencers across different platforms who make a living off posting content.  From TikTok to Facebook, I feel like I have seen it all.  I do use TikTok almost every day to see new content being posted online. I tend to use social media more to stay updated on what’s going on in the world rather than posting myself. When I do post,  it’s usually pictures of nature, because I enjoy being outside and taking photographs. Overall, I would say I am a frequent user.

 When I think about social media, I often ask myself the question: what is social media?  I think it is beneficial in some ways, but on the other hand, it can also have negative effects. In my opinion, social media is a platform that can be used in many different ways, such as contacting friends and family, promoting products, helping with certain causes, gaining a following, or even finding advice and support. Social media is used worldwide everyday.  I would say I use it less frequently than some people, but it is still a part of my daily life. When it comes to my online presence, I try to be the same person online as I am in real life. If I had to describe myself as a social media user, I would have to say I am encouraging, funny, relatable, and good at sharing  content with my friends.

 Another thing I would have to say about myself is that when support is needed online in a positive way, I try to be there to help. Whether it is sending something supportive to a friend or posting words of encouragement, I like to contribute in a positive way.  I believe social media can be a positive outlet for many people, especially  those who are more introverted.  It can give them a space to express themselves and feel supported. If I had to identify my strengths in understanding social media, I would say that I am very supportive of others across different platforms. I try to be kind and encouraging, especially when it is something I truly care about. 

 At times, there are also challenges I face with social media. One challenge is being able to tell if certain things are real or not, since not all content is accurate. Some content may be AI-generated, or the creator may not actually know what they are talking about. Because of this, it can sometimes be difficult to know what information to trust.

Overall, I see social media as a useful tool that can be used in both positive and negative ways. I think it can be a great way to promote businesses and bring communities together. From this class, I hope to learn more about how to communicate effectively online and how to use social media in a positive way to support my community.