The tragic death of one of the nurses who took a hoax call from a pair of Australian radio hosts posing as the queen and Prince Charles should be a reminder of the real consequences of publishing.
Volume Two of the Leveson Report into the ethics and practices of the UK media describes some of the personal consequences of the terrible behaviour of the UK newspaper industry, the effects are devastating and real.
At a time when we are all publishers – from newspapers and radio stations through to Facebook posts and blogs like this – we all have to keep in mind the consequences of what happens when we press “post”.
Hopefully the dills at 2Day-FM are reflecting on the consequences of their actions, the rest of us should learn from them before we like a dumb, racist Facebook update, post an abuse tweet or plaster someone’s personal details across the web.
There’s also a management lesson here – the nursing staff at King Edward VII hospital should never have been put in the position of receiving media calls, particularly ones purporting to come from the royal household. One hopes, but isn’t optimistic, that the hospital’s managers are also reflecting on their role in this tragedy.
Every action we take has real world consequences, it’s something that we forget when we’re sitting comfortably at our desks or typing on our smartphones.
There is another level to these types of posts- A people level! Most people post shock posts for self recognition the need to be needed. Noticed! Most hide behind a company name or have status such as “linkedin member” undisclosed. The need to be needed is one of the top drivers of a human being. Each of us would be better off to take a good look at self and your own driving behaviors. In a world where we are stiving for equal rights “we have women only and men only groups” We strive for world peace on one hand (yet sensationalise hate media across the globe” Then there is parenting the next generation with poor role models in society with double standards.
All needy behavior a need to be recognised and needed. So where to from here?
Very good points Darleen. You’re absolutely right that what drives shock posts, trolling and other unpleasant online is a desire to recognised.
Sadly, the media is rewarded for shock headlines, outrageous stunts and polarising views which I’d suggest has been a large reason for the partisan, course nature of today’s society.
I think the best we can do is try to teach people to think about what they post and to have some manners and style with what they put online.
Maybe our kids will manage this better than we have.
Paul & to your followers,
Before anyone jumps to conclusions I am upset by the death of this lady/nurse in the UK.
As sad as it is, maybe some good will follow from this, particularly as a corollary to.the recent Leveson Report.
They will be able to use her death as a timely reminder that what some people do for news or ratings can have unexpected consequences.
Hopefully it will also send a warning to others around the world that the media has obligations that it can not avoid.
What saddens me further is that this death was precipitated from within my country.
To you Paul I say this.
You have your finger so close to the pulse as to what is current and topical.
Thank you
Russell Iles