Social media is ubiquitous. From Facebook and Twitter to YouTube, the blogosphere, and Massively Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Games, people have plugged into numerous online venues for social, intellectual, and leisure activities. The pervasiveness of social media calls for ethical reflection, and one of the most pertinent values at stake is that of truth. Current figures estimate there are more than 1 billion social media users worldwide with the ability to connect with people who share similar interests, to present themselves as experts on anything and everything no matter their qualifications, and to contribute the types of factual information formerly limited to professional communication outlets such as news agencies. It’s this wide-ranging definition of truth that demands evaluation of the myriad ways social media affect society. This volume does just that by collecting insights from leading experts in the communication and philosophy disciplines as they examine a variety of issues related to the value of truth in the realm of social media.

"This collection of essays addresses questions raised by social media related to issues such as self-definition and trust. Kathy Richardson argues that a blurring of front-stage and back-stage personas challenges the ability to discern appropriate behavior and information to be shared or kept private. Deni Elliott believes the "real name requirement" raises questions about responsible information distribution and confidentiality. Paul Bloomfield explores "authentic living" via participation in multiplayer online games, and concerns about subjugation of real life to the life of one's avatar. Mitchell Haney argues that the speed of social media threatens the ability of persons to engage in life reflection and deliberation about their choices. Vance Ricks argues that social media gossip contributes to information overload and "context collapse," preventing seeing information in an appropriate light or for a certain audience. Lee Wilkins discusses "liquid journalism," noting that social media users and journalists bring "emotion" back to the news. Finally, Jane Kirtley discusses "trust" issues and questions concerning the monitoring of blogs and other forms of social media. This book raises significant questions about a phenomenon--social media--that now is central to people's lives and culture. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers." - CHOICE