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Social Media Liability

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There has been much legal activity regarding web postings and social media sites like Twitter. Celebrities, elected officials, and many others have taken a stand to complain about being bullied and mocked on social media. These lawsuits are alleging slander and libel against people who posted comments that targeted individuals and businesses. Discuss whether you think these lawsuits have merit and why. Do you think there should be business accountability measures or consequences associated with the things you might say and do on the internet if you use a business network or are on company time? Explain your rationale.

Reply 1 Michael Ward

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Social media is a platform that allows people to express their thoughts and opinions, which is often seen as a positive. Unfortunately, that freedom can harm businesses when people make false claims or say harmful things. A great example is the public argument between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar in 2024. Their online post and lyrics went viral, and they accused one another of serious things. These online statements and song lyrics can lead to legal action for reputational damage and defamation.

The introduction of new information technology has a ripple effect, raising new ethical, social, and political issues that must be addressed at the individual, social, and political levels. (Laudon & Laudon, 2021). I believe the legal actions that could be pursued have some merit. It is important to have freedom of speech, but if a post or song lyrics cause real harm, the person who said those things should be responsible. Additionally, companies and organizations should ensure their employees act professionally online. In the Navy, we conduct social media training annually. We usually have the right to say what we want as long as we are not in uniform, because what we say can reflect on the reputation of the United States military.

Ethical use of social media or technology is not just about following the law, but it is also about showing respect for others. Before we post anything, we have a responsibility to reflect on how what we say could impact someone’s life, career, or business. Social media is beyond helpful, but it can be abused if people are held responsible for what they say online.

Our posts can reach more people than we think. We live in a society that relies heavily on technology, and taking the extra time to think about what we post can build trust between individuals and companies.

Reference: Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2021). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm (17th ed.). Pearson Education.

Reply 2 Jennie Lawhun

Good morning,

The rise of social media has significantly changed how defamation—both slander and libel—is understood and addressed in today’s society. Platforms such as Twitter (now X), Facebook, and Instagram allow users to instantly share opinions, news, and commentary with wide audiences. However, this accessibility also increases the risk of false or harmful statements spreading rapidly, sometimes causing serious damage to reputations and livelihoods. Courts continue to grapple with balancing the right to free speech against the need to protect individuals and organizations from defamatory or reckless statements. While expressions of opinion and satire are generally protected under the First Amendment, deliberately false claims that harm someone’s reputation can result in legal consequences (U.S. Courts, n.d.).

Businesses are also increasingly affected by online behavior. When employees use social media during work hours or through company accounts, their actions can reflect directly on the organization’s image and credibility. Many companies have recognized this risk and implemented detailed social media policies outlining acceptable conduct, confidentiality rules, and consequences for violations. Such policies are not meant to limit personal expression but to ensure that online interactions remain professional and aligned with the organization’s values. Inappropriate or harmful posts can lead to disciplinary action, as they can expose the company to legal or reputational risks.

Ultimately, the internet functions as a highly visible public space, and actions taken there often have lasting real-world effects. Responsible digital communication requires awareness of legal boundaries, respect for others, and an understanding that online accountability mirrors real-world standards. As technology continues to evolve, promoting ethical behavior and thoughtful communication on social media will remain essential for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.

Reference: U.S. Courts. (n.d.). Defamation. Retrieved from https://www.uscourts. Bottom of Form

• Discuss whether you think these lawsuits have merit and why.,

• Do you think there should be business accountability measures or consequences associated with the things you might say and do on the internet if you use a business network or are on company time? Explain your rationale.