Technology is intertwined in each and every aspect of our lives today. No matter where one goes, some sort of technology is present. The introduction of social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace have even extended the usage of this technology. 
These sites provide platforms for people to express personal opinions and feelings unfiltered and uncensored seemingly without consequence. However, sometimes people are penalized for their postings on these sites at their jobs or even in school. Accounts of bullying on these sites have led to arrests and even convictions of the bully. More recently, the issue of the burn books, which posted negative comments about people, ended up with the creator of the book being suspended.
In cases such as these, the punishment does match the crime; however, to a certain extent everything one posts on these sites should not hinder one at his or her job, at school, or even getting into college unless of course they engage in harmful activities. These social media sites are used for personal expression of ideas and thoughts, both of which are protected by the first amendment.
If this basic right were to be denied in the aspect of social media sites, it provides a segway for other outlets of expression to be denied as well. In light of this, the staff believes that what one does on these sites, to a certain extent, should not determine whether or not they get a job or get into college. But, it is also believed that one should behave on these sites with such an integrity that reflects an accurate picture of them, and be willing to accept the implications of their actions. We believe that even though what one does on these sites should not affect other parts of their lives, students should be aware that it could have negative consequences.
De'Alva Glaspie • May 23, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Yes we all have a right to freedom of speech, but lets not forget that your boss has a freedom of opinion. True you should be able to say whatever you want whenever you feel like it, but you should still realize who you are representing and how you are representing them. Businesses and companies should have absolute rights to be able to view what you say on social networking sites because they want to make sure you will represent them well. Its like your parents telling you not to put inappropriate things on the internet because it REFLECTS BACK on them. Altogether representing your job or not you should at least try to represent yourself and act like the social networks are in fact censored and monitored.
Becca Soon • Mar 29, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Yes, a person can say whatever they want and state whatever their opinion is, but they should really be cautious. Employers base their decisions on how their employees conduct themselves and they want their company or business to some off as something good. If a person is stating an opinion that contradicts the beliefs of the company, that company might not employ the person. I just think people should watch what they say.
Rachel Pugh • Mar 29, 2012 at 7:55 pm
I think that in the case of hurtful or threatening posts a person should be held accountable–comments like these can really damage a person in a way that they never really recover from, and I’ve seen it happen to people here in Prince George. These “funny” comments can lead to actual dangerous situations and (far too often) teen suicides. That being said, I don’t think employers should be allowed to violate a potential employee’s privacy by viewing their social networking sites. If it’s unethical to ask a person personal questions in an interview, why should it be acceptable to snoop around in their personal life uninvited? Generations before us did not have to deal with this problem—Employers had to make a judgment based on the way they presented themselves in an interview. It should stay that way.
Nelson Leary • Mar 29, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Just because people may have the right to say something,it does not mean they should say it. People should be aware of what their actions can cause, and they should accept the consequences that could arise from said actions. Today some people do things they would not otherwise do becasue they have the “safety” of hiding behind a computer screen and can say what they want. They should not have that protection and should be punished for their harmful actions that they have done on the internet. Remeber one of the main rules of the internet, never post something you do not want exposed and are not able to handle the consequences of.
Melissa Tomlin • Mar 29, 2012 at 5:49 pm
I think expressing one’s thoughts and beliefs is acceptable to an extent. One should not express what they feel if they know it is going to hurt someone’s feels or it is expressed in a harsh way. Even though, today we have more access to things and ways to express ideas it does not mean that we need to abuse it. We need to learn how to maturely use the social medias without cyber bullying.
John Shumar • Mar 29, 2012 at 5:41 pm
I believe our first amendment rights extend to social networking sites. Yet, I have always been annoyed by some of them because most would not have the guts to say what they say on them in front of their recipient. With this said, I think before you post a comment, one should wonder if they would say it in public in front of their friend (or enemy?). If you can, cool-as long as you know there are consequences. Also, when the argument comes up about privacy being violated, I think we should all realize that if you post something online it is rarely private. If all were just more considerate and less drama loving, this problem of social media abuse would not be occurring.
Kayla Bishop • Mar 29, 2012 at 4:44 pm
I believe that employers and schools should be able to go on these social networking sites and to see your pages if you have something on your page that would make a school or employer not want you then you shouldnt have it on the internet for everyone to see. I believe that people need to be responsible for what they post and say on the internet. I think that kids should learn how to promote themselves in a postive way so that instead of a negative thing for schools and jobs to see its a positive.
Faven Butler • Jan 1, 2012 at 6:59 pm
I believe students have a right to express their opinions and personal beliefs as long as it is not directly harmful to someone. People’s reputations get ruined on sites such as Facebook or Twitter, and even if some of the things that person does are wrong, it is not your job to put it out for the world to see. Everybody has a right to maintain their privacy/personal life, whether another being agrees or disagrees with it.
Bradley Cooper • Jan 1, 2012 at 11:12 am
Even though you may be able to say whatever you want legally, you should be cautious. Places of occupation check the social media sites for inappropriate pictures, status updates, and comments. One sentence or picture can keep you from getting your dream job.
Matt Schneck • Dec 30, 2011 at 10:55 am
I am a firm believer in Hammurabi’s code when it comes to punishment. He stated that punishment should be “eye for an eye” meaning that the punishment should reflect the crime committed. With that said, people should not receive punishments for what they say as long as it is the truth. Last time I checked we had something called the Bill of Rights that gave people the freedom of speech. I am not advocating cyber bullying, but people getting punished for posting what is true is unconstitutional and it should not be taken lightly. However, if people are caught posting untrue, hurtful information, they should receive a punishment that forces them to be nice, like work at a nursing home. I like the fact that the newspaper is taking up issues that students face on a day to day basis. It would be nice, however, if some specific examples were included so the reader could see the actual problems that people face because of this.