Publication Ethics in Social Networks During Crisis in Palestine

Abstract

This study aimed to know how social media experts thinks on the ethics and standards that must be social networks' publishing in Palestine during crises, it is a descriptive study that used the survey method, and the study tool was the in-depth interview with an purposive sample of 42 experts and specialists in the field of Social networks in Palestine from 7-25 February 2020. The study found that the majority of experts believe that the reality is not good and there is chaos in publishing, they blame mainly the activists, they agree on the critical importance of setting standards and limitations for media publishing on social networks, especially during crises, such as accuracy, not to rush to publish, mention the source, avoiding distortion and defamation, and considering societal sensitivity when publishing, they suggested many ethics like showing the national spirit, ensuring the cohesion of society, self-censorship and social responsibility, adhering to the public morals of society, respecting personal sanctity and privacy, and that media publishing cannot be limited to categories because it conflicts with the freedom of opinion and expression, and it is better to educate the public about the seriousness of media publication and its ethics.