Effects Of Online Conduct And Social Media In The Military

The Effects of Online Conduct and Social Media in the Army

With the growth of online platforms, organizations and military members are joining the spectrum of numerous online programs. The Army, a values based organization require professionals to act accordingly with the increased usage. Online conduct on and off duty is representation of the military as a whole. Even though it is personal accounts, maintaining professionalism is important because Soldiers must remain trusted and live the Army values. Leaders will find that with the increased use of online platforms they will begin to naturally transition themselves. Understanding concepts and different means of communications is vital because the ones they are leading are utilizing new ways to

learn and grow personally.

Through numerous lifestyle changes a military member makes, the most important is conforming to its current organization. The transformation can be smooth and painless, but nothing is be done alone. With social media on the rise, and making such a large community impact. Many Americans are turning to it for support. Building a foundation of support will allow professional growth to bloom. Success in an organization builds upon its’ professionals. Whilst social media can enhance unit readiness, it can also have a deteriorating effect. As of 2016, 83% of Americans are on some sort of social media platform See Appendix A. (Social Media. 2018.). A benefit of having speedy information can ensure that you understand whatever you are reading in a timely manner. Millions receive the processed information on social media platforms every day. It is reported that 62% of Americans receive their information from social media. (Social Media. 2018.) It is important when posting information whether on an organizations account, or a personal account. The audience that is

receiving the information may not always be who it is intended for. Everyone, many times can see the platforms on the net are free of use and the information that is posted. This is why it would be important to monitor the information prior to posting to ensure you do not have a negative impact. A negative impact would detract from military operations and cause unnecessary work for leaders. The information shared on organizational or personal accounts should enhance readiness and not destroy it in support of the American people. Most importantly, Soldiers should ensure that they are understanding the impact that each of them have on the military. Maintaining the professionalism that is instilled in them at an early age, ensures that growth across the force can take place without unnecessary situations.
Dedication to service is integral part of being a Soldier. The trust that is placed upon a Soldier is important, even while off duty. Having a level of trust that reaches internally and externally will better serve the people of The United States. With the high number of Soldiers that are on social media, leaders must remain aware of not just what is happening on duty, but also off. Soldiers are trusted to a level of understanding for their roles but should also be verified to be doing the correct thing. In regards to trust, internal trust is having the support of your command and all members within. One must not destroy the internal trust in an organization by misconduct from online behaviors. Soldiers must also be aware that the trust goes beyond their chain of command. Externally, the American people we serve for are watching and can be effected from any detrimental behaviors online. Through policy and engaged leaders, all Soldiers, regardless of rank or position will understand the level of impact that they have with post on personal or organizational platforms. The “Think, Type, Post” (ALACART 075/2017) is vital to the success of social media posts. You understand what you would like to post about, before posting think how it will impact you or your service. Once you have compiled the thoughts that surround the situation you can type it out. Before posting, re read your message to understand how the public may take that message. If you feel the message is appropriate, then post your message. Understand that not everything you post is received positively. Just because you used the Think, Type, Post method for your thoughts, does not mean people will not have their own opinions. Even when replying to someone’s post, be polite and professional regardless of accounts. Social media is an outlet to vent certain frustrations but allows others their opinions on public posts. If someone does not hold the same opinions or views as you, you should remain open yourself and see all aspects of information shared.
Although some wonder why they cannot post or say what they would like in public, it is because being part of the military is a professional organization. Understanding what kind of impact a post will make can be the difference maker. If you post something online that tears someone down, berates, or bullies them, you are in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. (AR600-20. P30. 22OCT14.) This is the type of behavior that is detrimental to unit readiness and will not be tolerated. This circles back to the foundations in which military members are built on. The values in which each member works and lives by, the Army Values. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. These 7 values impact the life of a Soldier daily, Ensuring that a base for behavior is the same across the board, Soldiers live the Army Values which encompasses many aspects of honorable service. If you strive to serve with positive outcomes and always place your best foot forward, you should have no problem being successful.
In conclusion although some feel it is a personal account, online conduct and social media behaviors are the direct reflection of the individual. For two main reasons, if you misbehave online, you will lose trust with your leaders and your organization. Most importantly you signed up to serve your country honorably and you should withhold the values instilled throughout your career at all times.