Relationships are Key: Family Life Educators' Use of Social Networking Sites. Issue 2 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clary, Pam Carlson; Markham, Melinda Stafford; Myers-Bowman, Karen S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of technology in human services. Volume 38:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Social networking -- social media -- impact of technology -- information and communication technology; Human services -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Human services -- Information services -- Periodicals; Social service -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 361.0028
• DOI: 10.1080/15228835.2020.1713279
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8835

Abstract

Abstract: This exploratory study examined the use of social networking sites (SNSs) by Certified Family Life Educators (CFLEs). Using a phenomenological approach, 19 CFLEs were interviewed. The participants emphasized that their goal to be seen as professional, both on and offline, guided their use of SNSs. They took safeguards to establish a professional 'brand' by monitoring their online behavior and developing guidelines for ethical digital practice. Professional relationships were found to be key to CFLEs. Attention to the ethical and professional use of SNSs to provide guidance for CFLEs is a necessary next step for the field in today's digital world.