Blurred Lines: Ethical Implications of Social Media for Behavior Analysts

Abstract

Social networking has a long list of advantages: it enables access to a large group of people that would otherwise not be geographically convenient or possible to connect with; it reaches several different generations, particularly younger ones, which are not typically involved in discussion of current events; and these sites allow a cost effective, immediate, and interactive way to engage with others. With the vast number of individuals who use social media sites as a way to connect with others, it may not be possible to completely abstain from discussions and interactions on social media that pertain to our professional practice. This is all the more reason that behavior analysts attend to the contingencies specific to these tools. This paper discusses potential ethical situations that may arise and offers a review of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) guidelines pertaining to social networking, as well as provides suggestions for avoiding or resolving potential violations relating to online social behavior.

Maintaining Professional Relationships in an Interdisciplinary Setting: Strategies for Navigating Nonbehavioral Treatment Recommendations for Individuals with Autism

“…Finally, there is a growing interest in additional professional resources for practitioners that address common issues in practice. This interest is evidenced by recently published papers on professionalism and ethical behavior (e.g., Brodhead and Higbee 2012;O'Leary et al 2015) and clinical decision making (e.g., Geiger et al 2010;Tiger et al 2008). Because of this interest, a decision-making model for navigating nonbehavioral treatments and maintaining professional relationships may be a useful contribution to the scholarly literature.…”

Cultivating the Ethical Repertoires of Behavior Analysts: Prevention of Common Violations

“…When BCBAs provide services within the context of a defined relationship, this means that the BCBA is refraining from delivering free advice to others (Bailey & Burch, 2016). O'Leary, Miller, Olive, and Kelly (2017) highlighted the pitfalls of breaking this code with the myriad of social media posts seeking advice from others regarding clinical issues. They provided recommendations such as stressing the fact that this is not a defined professional relationship when providing suggestions and providing recommendations regarding specific research articles that could assist with answering the questions posed.…”

Spreading the News: History, Successes, Challenges and the Ethics of Effective Dissemination

“…In the digital age, much dissemination and discussion of information happens on online platforms. These platforms can offer efficient, cost effective, and interactive way to disseminate scientific discoveries and important health messages (Gholami-Kordkheili, Wild, & Strech, 2013;O'Leary, Miller, Olive, & Kelly, 2015) that help behavior analysts reach millions of people easily (McMahon, 2010). In an online world, a simple way to get your point across is to create and consistently use short, informative hashtags (e.g, #stickwithscience, #behaviorchange) (Kelly & Koba-Burdt, 2016).…”

“…"Persistence, searchability, replicability, and invisible audiences" are unique characteristics of the social media platforms that create a "permanent digital fingerprint and online reputation" (Gholami-Kordkheili et al, 2013, p.2). Many social media sites and applications are free and easy to use, which increases the accessibility of information for consumers and the number of voices in the conversation, across topics and generations (O'Leary et al, 2015). It places scientists and practitioners in contact with one another, fostering camaraderie within the profession, and expanding possibilities for cross-continental collaborations (McMahon, 2010).…”

“…It places scientists and practitioners in contact with one another, fostering camaraderie within the profession, and expanding possibilities for cross-continental collaborations (McMahon, 2010). However, during a momentary lapse of reason, expressing one's opinion on a social media platform could have unintended and irreversible consequences (O'Leary et al, 2015).…”