Ethics and Social Networking Sites

Abstract

This chapter presents a discussion of how the rise in popularity of social networking Web sites has created new areas of ethical conflict and concern for psychologists. Broader issues related to self-disclosure are compared to those involving social networking Web sites, both intentionally and unintentionally. Research shows that psychologists are using social networking sites, and because of the age distribution of users, the number of psychologists using these sites is likely to continue to increase. The type of information presented on these sites varies from basic demographic information to hobbies, personal and political opinions, information on friends and family members, and even photographs. The American Psychological Association has not yet moved to set policy in this area, but many psychologists are asking for formal guidelines or other assistance in making decisions around these sites. The rapid changes and advances in Internet technologies make regulation of Web site use especially difficult. There has been little agreement to date on how or even if to guide or regulate psychologists in their use of online venues.