Ok, some people feel that social media networking sites should be used for everything and anything that people want to post. Have you heard the story, reported in the newspaper, of the Swiss nurse who posed with a dead woman, then posted the picture on Facebook? Who would ever think that anyone would do something like this? This especially holds true for someone in a helping profession such as nursing.
This story came out in the 20 Minuten Newspaper in Switzerland March, 2013, as stated by ATS. The photograph showed the nurse smiling and sitting beside an older dead woman. Supposedly the dead woman was in some kind of care facility. This picture was posted on the nurse’s social media social networking site, Facebook.
This type of behavior is not only disrespectful of the dead woman but to her family as well, particularly considering that the nursing profession has struggled with a bad public image over the years. Nurses continue to have to work harder to maintain dignity and respect for what they do. This type of behavior only adds to the problem. The Swiss Nurses Association is appalled at this behavior and, per the newspaper, feels that this is a casualty of the nursing shortage.
Social media posting has gone too far when others are not only hurt but disrespected by what is made available on sites such as Facebook. People should not be fearful of having this happen to them, particularly in their last days. This is being investigated as criminal activity, as it should be, or so this writer feels.
In this instance, the person that was photographed and posted on Facebook had passed away and could no longer represent themselves. However, no family had apparently been contacted for permission either. It is possible that some may not find this behavior offensive, but if it were to happen in their family, it might not be as acceptable.
Social media networking sites are a wonderful way to communicate and share information and photos when used appropriately. They can get information out to others quickly and efficiently with no disrespect to others. And when things go wrong, it doesn’t mean that utilizing social media is wrong. Our awareness should be heightened as a result and we can begin thinking of ways to prevent similar issues in the future. This may be an isolated event, but it reminds us that these things can and do happen.
Sites such as Facebook have so many people posting information and pictures that it would be difficult to monitor the sites for inappropriate or potentially criminal activity. Do you feel that there should be something in place on social media sites to prevent this type of activity? What do you think could be done to prevent this type of behavior? Comment on what you think and share this story with others.