Acknowledgements
Weller ’ s Stance ?
blogging ( 2011 , p . 5 ). Similarly , the Open University ( 2019 , 1 ) states :
‘ Employees are reminded of their obligations under University employment policies and standards when using social media sites generally , in particular the responsibility not to bring the University into disrepute or allow personal interaction on websites to damage professional or work relationships with colleagues , students or other University partners .’
Acknowledgements
This critical reflection has previously been submitted as part of my MA HEP qualification . I would like to thank Georgina Spencer and Matthew Street for their advice and support on earlier drafts of this critical reflection .
A simple google search , shows that almost all ( if not all ) universities in the United Kingdom , have a social media policy in place – for both staff and students .
Yet , when it comes to academia , where we may research highly political , social , or legal issues , such as the right to terminate a pregnancy or transgender rights , the boundary between offensive comments and seriously offensive commentary , is not easily identifiable . Even if our institutions do back academic freedom following a complaint , it does not necessarily mean free reign with no implications . Nothing illustrates this more than the highly publicised case of Professor Kathleen Stock , who resigned from Sussex University following a campaign of online abuse for expressing her belief that men cannot become women ( Adams , 2021 ). Despite her employer supporting her views under the concept of academic freedom , the campaign became so intense , she felt she had no choice but to resign . To be clear , I do not agree with the comments made by Professor Stock , but this case clearly illustrates that a ‘… liberated form of expression …’ as endorsed by Weller ( 2011 , p . 5 ) is not without its consequences .
Weller ’ s Stance ?
There is no doubt that the expanding digital world has changed the ways in which we as academics publish our research , network with others , and showcase our opinion , for better or for worse . In fact , social media has been integral to my own career , from securing interviews to aiding in bringing together teaching materials . But these platforms are not completely free from institutional involvement , where we have free creative licence to say what we wish . Instead , whether it ’ s a personal or a work account , our employer does have some control over what we say online . At best , our comments might be ignored . At worse , we could lose our jobs or even our liberty ( Bliss 2017 ; Higson-Bliss , 2023 ).
We need to have open and frank conversations about our social media usage . I have done this with students but recognise there is scope for expansion . If universities continue to press for us to have an online identity , do we not all deserve legal training ? The take-home message – social media is here to stay in academia but be careful what you tweet !
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