Case study: Snapchat [1]

Scenario 7

Sonia split up from her boyfriend Simon two days ago, because she was irritated that he was spending so much time with Carrie, one of the other girls on his course. Sonia is really upset. She has noticed on the new Snapmaps feature, that since she split up with him, he and Carrie are constantly together. She is now obsessing over Simon and Carrie's Instagram and other social accounts, looking for further evidence that they have been deceiving her.

What advice would you give her?

	a)	Sonia can see from Snapmaps that her suspicions were correct. She should follow Carrie on all of her social accounts, and see if she can leave anonymous or barbed comments for her. Also, she should watch Simon's Facebook account to see if he changes his relationship status. Sonia should start turning up in locations where she knows the couple are together (from Snapmaps) let them know she is aware that she was right. She can confront and harass them each time she sees them.
	b)	Sonia should change her relationship status on all of her social channels. She should delete all shared photos and un-friend Simon and all of his friends and family. She could find some inspirational, passive agressive quotes on Pinterest about being a strong independent woman and escaping an abusive relationship and post them all over Instagram. She can also vent and make a couple of barbed comments about Simon and his new relationship on her own social media if it makes her feel better.
	c)	Sonia should avoid cyber stalking and harassment of Simon and Carrie. Snapmaps has enabled a level of surveillance into the movements of those we know that may not be entirely helpful. Sonia should avoid that feature on Snapchat. A photo of an ex, tagged in a photo smiling or laughing with someone we don't know can easily be mis-interpreted and cause Sonia to jump to conclusions. It is probably best for Sonia to hide (rather than unfriend) Simon's updates from her feed on social channels, untag herself in shared photos, also hide content regarding shared friends or his family and friends from her feed. She should definitely avoid posting passive aggressive quotes on Facebook and Instagram about being a 'Strong Independent Woman". It would be best to spend less time on her smartphone, get out more, keep busy and catch up with friends.
Please select an answer This is not the best advice. Sonia should always put herself in the shoes of the person receiving these communications. This type of behaviour is anti social and bad for her mental health. It could result in a prosecution for stalking or even harassment! It is never a good idea to make personal remarks about someone, either on your own social pages or on theirs, especially remarks that could be regarded as defamatory or harassment - it is easy to fall foul of the law by using social networking sites in this way. Its OK to complain as much as you want to your friends but posting malicious comments means there is evidence of what you have said. Never be tempted to use these sites when drunk or under the influence of anything else as the words you say could have long-term consequences. Don't create a public side show out of a relationship break up - online or offline. Retain your dignity and have any difficult conversations face to face and in private if possible. This is not the best advice. Sonia should always put herself in the shoes of the person receiving these communications. This type of behaviour is anti social and could result in a prosecution for stalking or bullying! It is never a good idea to make personal remarks about someone, either on your own social pages or on theirs, especially remarks that could be regarded as defamatory or harassment - it is easy to fall foul of the law by using social networking sites in this way. Its OK to complain as much as you want to your friends but posting malicious comments means there is evidence of what you have said. Never be tempted to use these sites when drunk or under the influence of anything else as the words you say could have long-term consequences. Don't create a public side show out of a relationship break up - online or offline. Retain your dignity and have any difficult conversations face to face and in private if possible. This is the best advice - she should try to stay busy and spend less time online. There is a lot of useful material online on how to look after yourself in these situations. How you handle situations like this can say more about you than the people who have offended you in the longer term. Further resources: http://www.eharmony.com.au/dating-advice/relationships/the-dos-and-donts-of-social-media-after-a-break-up/#uR2YDAFMK6qLwchp.99 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/break-up-social-media-facebook-instagram-what-not-to-do-split-up-relationship-partner-love-a7537861.html http://www.cps.gov.uk/consultations/social_media_consultation_2016.html

Digital Professionalism

Table of Contents

Case study: Snapchat [1]

Scenario 7

What advice would you give her?