Ethical Reflection on Web 2.0
What are ethical considerations?
In our Module 1 Handbook we are enlightened that ethics revolve around learning about the impact things have on each other. When we reflect on an experience subconsciously we start asking ourselves questions, we are encouraged to explore these ethical questions with ethical reflection.
Each day and each situation we find ourselves in are experiences. An interesting article 'Ethical Reflection' (2006) quotes that "practising ethical reflection is a necessary requirement to promote maturity in ethical thinking." The idea that to sit back, methodically reflect on an experience and explore the ethical considerations will aid you to automatically think ethically in the moment on choices and decisions you make. In parallel to John Dewey's learning theory of reflecting on an experience to educate. Dewey, J. (1938)
In a previous blog on Web 2.0 I am quick to explore the advantages of Web 2.0 and not really acknowledge the negatives, yet after ethically reflecting on using social media as a form of self promotion the following questions have come to light:
How authentic is Web 2.0?
Are we posting what we think others want to see?
Are we more focused on the ratings than the content?
Are you trying to fit to a stereotype?
Rather than archiving a picture for a post in the future, should we not upload the picture straight after the event when your emotion is raw.. and caption how you really feel. ie Gratitude. Inspired. Elated. The idea of keeping pictures to upload at a later date as content for self promotion is perhaps being anti-authentic and more focused on the profile views and rankings.
Web 2.0 could be detrimental to your confidence due to comparing yourself to others. The importance of remembering that Web 2.0 shows a small chapter into someone's life is paramount. It provides an insight into the persons lifestyle however it could be far from the reality. A social media profile can project a lifestyle or personality that that person is trying to emulate however this may drastically differ from the reality.
During lockdown, Covid 19, thanks to the amount of new opportunities to learn and engage with professionals my social media feed looks very different as to what it did last year. I have changed my following to what will benefit me. I now follow
- Choreographers that inspire me
- Artists that motivate me
- Friends that support one another
- Professionals encouraging self care and teaching mindful practises
References:
Module 1 Handbook
Dewey, J. (1938) Experience in Education [book]
Haig, M. (2021) Instagram Post [online] Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUClzzMuIL/ [Accessed on 16 Feb 2021]
The School for Ethical Education (2006) Ethical Reflection [online] Available at: https://www.ethicsed.org/uploads/8/9/6/8/89681855/reflection_notes.pdf [Accessed on 16 Feb 2021]
^This site is also very informative on the benefits of Reflection.
Hi Ellie, everything you've discussed here is so valid and important. Ethics concerning Web 2.0 is such a huge topic that can be looked at in many ways. Another Ethics topic related to our practice that I find interesting is how we are taught. The way we are physically taught, how we are spoken to, how certain situations are dealt with - they all bring up so many ethical questions and considerations. With regards to Web 2.0, I am 1000% guilty of using filters, adjusting my lighting and more but that isn't authentic and is not my true self. I think a digital detox would be valuable for everyone including myself! x
ReplyDeleteHi Niamh,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that the way we are taught brings up so many ethical questions and considerations! Also its interesting to reflect on the learning theories as to why we were taught in particular ways. For example in our Diploma the theory could be seen as passive absorption whereas our training is similar to Kolbs learning theory, having concrete knowledge of the movement and actively experimenting to ensure we know the technique and can execute the moves correctly.
A digital detox of my following did wonders!
Ellie x
Ellie,
ReplyDeleteLoved this blog post.
I think you have hit the nail on the head regarding 'archiving a photo'. I think we are all so worried about getting the most likes/views we wait and post at peak times. We are not just living for the moment and posting there and then. I love that you have changed your feed to things that you truly want to see. I am in need of this digital detox and will be having a 'clear out' asap. I think it will also help clear my mind in a weird round a out way.
As Niamh said in the comments I think there are so many ethical considerations we have to look at and face in our industry.
Another great read.
Abi x
Hi Abigail,
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Thats exactly it, posting at 'peak times' however perhaps we could see OUR 'peak time' as the time in which we are feeling this emotions and experienced something so wonderful we feel the need to share it.
Yes without realising we face so many ethical questions in our practise don't we. Whilst our industry is at a halt I think this is a valuable time to reflect on our career and explore new areas of our practise, and the BAPP ACI is allowing us to do just that!
Ellie x
Hi Ellie,
ReplyDeleteSuch a great read and it's so refreshing to know how many of us feel the same way regarding the downfalls to the social media circle! I have felt that especially in this current climate it has become an imperative way of people connecting in the industry, but I really feel unfortunately so many of us see it as an uninviting space due to the constant comparative feeling we are left with! I love the idea of changing your platform to most benfit you and I think i am in great need, I think sometimes we forget its just as easy to unfollow as follow someone and also I know that the thought of a person potentially being offended over it causes great unease but I truly believe in putting your own thoughts and feelings first so if its not benefiting then why follow!
H x
HI Hannah,
DeleteI agree that at the moment social media is playing an important role in keeping us all connected to the industry and is keeping our community motivated and inspired. I think shifting your mindset and using social media to benefit and education yourself is a great form of self care!
Ellie x
Hi Ellie, This is a great reflection on the detail of Web 2.0; not just whether certain apps are positive or negative, but how we choose to use them. We have the 'power' to change settings, or timings of posts etc to have a very different impact on our audience, and for the way we digest information coming at us too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, triggers lots to think about.
Sally
Thank you, Sally! The way you've worded this reply has really solidified my own thoughts, sometimes it takes reading someone else's writing to make sense of your own. We absolutely have the 'power' its just how we use that power! Having the power to keep our mental health at bay by unfollowing accounts that effect our self esteem and make you feel less worthy, and posting content to benefit your practise and help achieve your goals.
DeleteEllie x