Interrogating Social Media Netiquette and Online Safety among University Students from Assorted Disciplines

Abstract

Despite the convenient and compelling nature of social media, netiquette or good conduct in its use remains a remote practice. Being a primary agent of socialization, the social media is a popular means by which individuals exchange personal information, a situation that requires high morals, integrity and individual discipline to be exercised during such exchange. This study presents a mini review of university students’ views of social media netiquette and online safety with particular focus on issues of practice relevant to university students in selected disciplines with a special focus on those in the health sciences departments at Kabianga University. An evolving emergent research design was engaged using the search strategy, Find It with keywords like Face book, Twitter, netiquette, patient privacy and social media, student behavior and internet. Students had what they referred to as favorite applications (apps) on social media where both personal and private issues as well as public debate and discourse were freely exchanged. Notably, with a great variety of clientele visiting such sites, unaware of their impact, there is always the danger of being misinterpreted or revealing confidentialities unknowingly. There is need therefore, to establish national and institutional policies regarding etiquette and privacy in the use of social media in public universities and health institutions. A less generic review addressing particular disciplines and circumstances is also recommended for more input regarding social media.