Relationships are Key: Family Life Educators’ Use of Social Networking Sites

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.

Keywords:

• Social networking
• social media
• impact of technology
• information and communication technology

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pam Carlson Clary

Pam Carlson Clary, Ph.D., LCSW, LSCSW, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, & Social Work at Missouri Western State University.

Melinda Stafford Markham

Pam Carlson Clary, Ph.D., LCSW, LSCSW, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, & Social Work at Missouri Western State University.

Karen S. Myers-Bowman

Pam Carlson Clary, Ph.D., LCSW, LSCSW, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, & Social Work at Missouri Western State University.