PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Jeff Cain
AU  - Joseph L. Cain III
TI  - Legal and Ethical Issues Regarding Social Media and Pharmacy Education
AID  - 10.5688/aj7410184
DP  - 2010 Dec 01
TA  - American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
PG  - 184
VI  - 74
IP  - 10
4099  - http://www.ajpe.org/content/74/10/184.short
4100  - http://www.ajpe.org/content/74/10/184.full
SO  - Am J Pharm Educ2010 Dec 01; 74
AB  - Widespread use of social media applications like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter has introduced new complexities to the legal and ethical environment of higher education. Social communications have traditionally been considered private; however, now that much of this information is published online to the public, more insight is available to students' attitudes, opinions, and character. Pharmacy educators and administrators may struggle with the myriad of ethical and legal issues pertaining to social media communications and relationships with and among students. This article seeks to clarify some of these issues with a review of the legal facets and pertinent court cases related to social media. In addition, 5 core ethical issues are identified and discussed. The article concludes with recommendations for pharmacy educators with regard to preparing for and addressing potential legal issues pertaining to social media.