Copyright and Social Media

Although copyright is automatically given to the creator of content, this can change somewhat when what is created is uploaded/shared/made online. Wherever you share something new (like a photo) that site will have it's own unique set of terms and conditions. Some of these terms and conditions seem to have little affect on users, but it is important to note that when agreeing to these terms, we may be giving away our copyright ownership for certain things - or everything - we share on that site.

For example, sites like YouTube and Twitter have the right to use work you upload without infringing copyright.

If we want to keep total copyright of our content, it is important to read through the terms and conditions of the media platforms we wish to upload to, and choose carefully what we do share on these sites.

Additionally, as users of social media we might infringe the copyright of others by using something (an image, audio, etc) that does not belong to us. Wikipedia has a guide for its users to follow before uploading images that has some simple rules to follow. If the content you are uploading is your own, belongs in the public domain, or is freely licensed, you will most likely not be breaking copyright law.

Social Media Etiquette

The way we behave online has many real-world consequences, both positive and negative. It is important to remember that behind every username, retweet, comment, and follow there is a real person and it is important to treat them with respect.

Here is a list of 10 "Commonly Overlooked Best Practices in Social Media" which covers a lot of the simple social niceties that both individuals and institutions should abide by online - things like being kind, respectful, and patient. This includes reading comments people leave and responding where appropriate.

It is also important to keep your profile and blog information up to date. This shows you care about how others see you online, and value any customers that seek information in this manner. Keeping posts relevant ensures your followers that you are reliable and professional.

Privacy and Social Media

Social Media is all about sharing and connecting, but we're not always aware of just who can see what we post and where. You might think it's okay to tell your friend your mobile number via Twitter, but who else can see it? You may consider you're Pinterest a safe place to indulge in your hobbies, but is it connected to your Facebook or Twitter? These are the kind of questions that social media users need to ask themselves regularly.

It's always a good idea to check the privacy policy and settings on any site you have an account on. This will reveal if people can find your account if they know your email, or if the site records your location. Understanding the privacy settings of each social media account can be time consuming, but could save you from identity theft, unwanted spam, and general embarrassment.

It is important to decide whether you consider each account personal, public, and/or professional. This will change not only your privacy settings but how you use your account in general.

Here is an article about privacy and social media which also talks about laws and how social media sites themselves profit from the more information we share.