Is there something wrong with the way social media has affected the military service?

2017-06-08T18:36:15-04:00

From the spread of ideas to the uncovering of incidents throughout the military, does anyone believe that there is a negative impact on leadership, morale, or the organization's as a whole under the DoD?

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 8 at 2017 7:12 PM

2017-06-08T19:12:59-04:00

Social media is actually anything but... we have lost some of our interpersonal communication skills. And nothing is private anymore... the what happens in (Vegas, Deployment, etc.) no longer applies as it is plastered for all to see. So to it has an adverse affect on the military. People post stuff and it gets shared, eventually the 'wrong' someone sees it. Or things that don't need to be shown such as anti-military rally or other such events gets plastered while soldiers are down range. They get to see what the real world is doing while they are serving... The list goes on... Social media is a great tool to influence and control the thought processes as most people won't take the time to research.

Response by TSgt Manuel Perez made Jun 8 at 2017 9:21 PM

2017-06-08T21:21:09-04:00

There is Accountability issues affecting what you post, now there ethical rules of behavior addressing social media.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 8 at 2017 11:43 PM

2017-06-08T23:43:22-04:00

I think the problems of social media society wide, are present with service members but the collision course with disaster is more pronounced in uniform. The absence of any restraint, social convention, or common sense has more consequences for the military. If you can think it, you can post it is fundamentally bad for the military. Then you have the contacts without context or connection. It isolates already isolated people.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 9 at 2017 10:51 PM

2017-06-09T22:51:00-04:00

My biggest issue with social media in the military is because these generations grew up with this stuff, it's almost too difficult for them to turn it off. Personally, I always took the social media briefs seriously. Watch what you say. Be careful who can see your stuff etc etc.

The only negative impact I think it has on leadership is no one wants their dirty laundry hung out to dry. Even worse is when you discover it by one of your higher-ups.

Regarding morale, I can see how it can have a negative impact on morale, primarily because of the punishments involved. For example, one of my friends got a Page 11 actually mailed to him because of his online activity. He's been out of the Marine Corps for a year but he's got someone monitoring his online activity.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 10 at 2017 2:52 AM

2017-06-10T02:52:25-04:00

Yes, and well it is the world we live in.

Response by SGT Todd Miller made Jun 10 at 2017 11:45 AM

2017-06-10T11:45:57-04:00

I like to reconnect on social media to try to help others and relive my younger days. Indeed I agree with Cpl. Goolsby in that social media should not be used to air out dirty laundry. I would remind everyone that there are government agencies who are watching. Do not post sensitive photos or comments about operations. Loose lips sink ships. Keep it clean or they (FBI) will come for you. I think people who remember this have a positive experience.

From what I've seen, it seems to lift their morale being able to communicate back home. Jokes, memes, and laughter on social media help keep spirits light. It also seems to be encouraging to others to hear and see different possible futures after the military and that the thoughts and experiences soldiers are having are not unusual. Social media provides ideas for dealing with different scenarios. I was reading an article this morning on RP, which is a social media website, in which people were weighing in on items to bring on a first deployment besides the basic issue equipment. I think these articles are helpful by providing feedback from people who have been there and done that. I think those little extras on deployment help improve morale in the field.

Social media is not a totally bad thing, a lot of mentor ship goes on online. Social media is also encouraging to civilians who support the military. Over the last two days I had the opportunity to witness my nephew graduate from Great Lakes Naval Academy on social media. First time I've ever seen something like that. My father graduated from Great Lakes. My son is watching and learning what the military is about. He may grow up to be a fourth generation veteran someday. I hope he joins the Army.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2017 12:55 PM

2017-06-10T12:55:16-04:00

Well we all know the DOD lacks strong leadership! But I must say! That picture is priceless! ... lol... that is one of those. Action this photos!... lol...