Ethics in content production is a trending online topic as the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unstoppable rate.
The ease in which new content can be created and the vast number of publishing platforms now available has led to the democratisation of the internet, where anyone can share their own stories, ideas, creations and opinions. However, despite this utopian new landscape, ethical considerations, ethical principles and ethical standards all need to be adhered to. Otherwise, the digital world is at risk of being flooded with false or misleading information.
With the rise of the creator economy in the new digital realm, content production has opened up opportunities for fellow content creators outside of mainstream media and there are now various ways to establish a career. Still, this shift in the digital space has led to ethical concerns and ethical challenges on responsible use around community engagement, handling personal data, hate speech, misinformation, offensive content and much more.
For example, more than nine in 10 people in the UK have reported witnessing misinformation on social media, according to a new survey published by The Alan Turing Institute. Elsewhere, the use of AI has raised questions about authorship and the best ways to verify information within academia.
Amid this churning digital landscape, ethical responsibility has never been more important and is an essential element in studying a course such as SAE’s Content Creation and Online Marketing degree.
Our blog will explore the different concerns surrounding ethics in content production and how creative content can contribute positively to the online world – if you want to learn more about our courses, then contact our team now.
Ethical considerations in the digital age
Ethics in content creation refers to the moral and professional standards that guide the production and dissemination of information, images, and other online media.
With content creation platforms now easily accessible for everyone, there are calls for content to be truthful and to avoid misinformation or manipulation. Online communities believe that individuals involved in publishing should avoid harmful content while creators should address privacy concerns and be responsible for their work and its impact.
How the digital world has changed debates surrounding ethical responsibility
The ongoing tech revolution has radically reshaped online ethical marketing practices, raising new challenges and dilemmas surrounding privacy, online harms, and the integrity of democratic processes. The rise of digital platforms and AI have also thrust issues like data privacy, misinformation, and the potential for manipulation and social fall-out into the headlines.
This need for integrity and the use of content as a force for good has meant ethical implications in content production are a hot topic.
Here are some of the key issues to consider when attempting to do right by your users, online audience and rest of the online community.
Top ethical content issues
Monetisation
The goal for social media influencers is to monetise their content and there are plenty of opportunities available if you can wield enough followers and online clout to be seen as valuable by brands and businesses. Brand collaborations and ad content can generate revenue but it can be a delicate balance to ensure transparency and accurate information while also sticking to the right side of any ethical issues if poorly implemented.
Some key principles surrounding monetisation in creating content include:
Clearly label sponsored content – if you’re promoting a product or service for a fee, make it obvious that it’s sponsored. This will help your audience understand your motivations and why you might be posting about a brand or business.
Disclose affiliate links – be transparent about any business connections. If you’re earning a commission on a purchase made through a personalised link, letting your audience know will build more trust in you and your connections.
Explain how you monetise – are you providing a subscription service with different tiers of access? Or do you request one-off payments from your users in return for content? Whatever your offer, ensure your audience is clear on how this is modelled so they know what they are paying for and the value it provides.
Data collection
The internet and digital platforms collect vast amounts of user data, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. Alongside this, the rise of data breaches and cyberattacks highlights the vulnerabilities of online systems and the importance of strong data security. Legislation like GDPR in Europe and similar laws globally are pushing organisations to prioritise data privacy and ethical data handling policies.
Copyright
Ethical creators understand the importance of respecting copyright laws and the intellectual property of others. For instance, it is important for online publishers to use licensed music or images in videos instead of pirated versions.
Whenever possible, it is always expected that content creators will seek permission or adhere to fair use guidelines when incorporating content created elsewhere.
Plagiarism is perhaps easier than ever and there are questions surrounding the use of Large Language Models in academia. Is it okay to use ChatGPT for inspiration? And when does its use mean your article or research seems like someone else’s work rather than your own?
AI can be a powerful tool for writers – both students and professionals. When used wisely, it can help elevate workflows by saving time, and reducing the stress sometimes associated with the creative process.
Online Harms and Mental Health
The rise of social media has led to an increase in online harassment with any user now having a voice to ‘troll’ others who has an opinion they might not agree with. In fact, many of these platforms can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying, harassment, and other forms of online harm, impacting mental health and well-being.
Nearly 90% of people aged between 18 and 34 have witnessed or received harmful content online.
The spread of misinformation and fake news online also poses a threat to public trust. This means efforts to improve digital literacy and educate users about online safety and ethical practices are crucial.
Content creation | how to build trust and face ethical challenges
Ethical behaviour when creating content can help promote fairness, help businesses reach diverse audiences and demonstrate how a business or solution is focused on social responsibility. By treating sensitive topics appropriately, content creators can play a important part in making the internet full of more positive interactions. Some approaches to take include:
Credit accurately
As content creators, writers and journalists, it’s important to always give credit where credit is due for other people’s work.
This means providing proper attribution when using, quoting or basing your content on the work of others. You should always aim to present quotes as quotes, provide links back to original articles, and give photo, video and illustration credits to the original creator. This is a moral code embedded in the ethics of content production.
Prioritise quality content
The better quality your content, the more likely it will resonate with users and build trust on behalf of a brand or business. By maintaining trust, you can also make the move into monetising content easier.
There are some key elements to this including:
Offer value – providing valuable content or services in the form of white papers, guides, reports or online tutorials. Doing so will make your audience more likely to engage and support you.
Fact-checking – when creating content, always use more than one reputable source if you are making any claims or arguments. This will lend more authority and integrity to your online presence.
Personalise the experience – tailoring your approach to individual users will ensure they feel valued and more open to engaging with your brand or business.
Build trust
To have a positive impact online, brands and businesses need to communicate openly and regularly. Keeping your audience informed about your business practices and financial decisions can become a cornerstone in any marketing strategy aimed at building trust.
You should also encourage feedback within your online community and be willing to listen to comments from your audience. If you do make a mistake, then demonstrate ethical behaviour by being accountable and showing how you are willing to learn from it and move forward.
Study Content Creation and Online Marketing at SAE
Developing content that connects with audiences can be essential in today’s digital age for businesses and leading professionals.
With our expert team, leading facilities and creative community, studying our course in content creation and digital marketing can offer you a fantastic opportunity to take your career in digital marketing to the next level.
