Last Saturday I moderated a discussion of the Twitter group #Catholicedchat (6-7am PDT). Moderated is perhaps too fancy a word, as the group is so enthusiastic that I barely have to say a word and they take off and run with it. Among this group are some of the brightest and best Catholic educators across the country; teachers, administrators, superintendents, all interested in discussing the issues of the day and sharing experiences, ideas and support. I participate in few groups that better embody the motto of this site, “courageous education in frightening times.”
The topic I brought for discussion this week was social media, specifically how a Catholic educator can participate in social media authentically and not get in trouble or get fired. I've seen too many cases of good people saying or sharing something only to have this seen more widely than intended and causing challenges…or worse. I was interested in ways that this group who participates regularly and deeply in social media navigates these obstacles.
One of the founding mothers of the group, and one of my all-time favorite people, said that she follows a rule of WWJT, “What would Jesus tweet?” Many people liked this, and it seemed to come out of the conversation as a sort of guideline. I like the way that a question like this forces one stop and consider before posting, and I'm sure in virtually every case this can steer one from problems.
But I don't believe it.
If I were to use social media with the courage, the lack of filters, and lack of convenient political sensitivity that Jesus showed throughout his life, I'm certain that I would soon find myself in hot water. If I were to say, “It is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” without couching it in excuses, what would my donors say? If I were to criticize pharisees as directly and without apologies as our Lord, I'm certain that my phone would be ringing. If I were to comment on current political and social realities the way that Jesus addressed those of his day, my suitability for my job would be questioned.
I certainly believe that we should follow a model of love, generosity, forgiveness, and healing in everything we say, online and off, and to this we can look to the life of Jesus. But I'm not sure that this is a guideline that will avoid controversy for my teachers and for myself.
As always, I invite your comments.
Image: 'Twitter escultura de arena' http://www.flickr.com/photos/32931740@N06/3939487692 Found on flickrcc.net
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I think you need to also decide what you are going to use social media for in order to follow guidelines for what you post. For instance, I use Twitter for education only. The people I follow are educators and I only post and share information that would be interesting or helpful. Facebook is for keeping up with family and friends and I avoid parents from school like the plague and all things political. However, I still watch what I say because some of my teacher friends choose to be friends with parents and things “spread.” Everything simply has to be a thought process.