Online social networking: Something to keep in mind Published Dec. 4, 2012 By Loretta Smith 20th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity Office SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Who could doubt that the Air Force is a very technology-friendly organization? That's part of the reason that Air Force leaders decided to allow Airmen to access many social websites through the official network. Among the accessible social networking websites Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Air Force even uses the "big two" for official public communication now. The truth is that today most websites which require registration and personal profiles are interrelated. Much information automatically flows among them, and some of it is very open. Our leaders have decided that staying connected to friends and family improves morale and and may even contribute to resiliency. Such sites allow us to keep in touch despite geographic distances. The worldwide web offers real time updates, information, photographs and videos exchanges. However, we need to remember that much of social media content is public. Because of that, we need to keep in mind Department of Defense policies about Equal Opportunity. Why? Well, your communication may violate EO policies when the material directly or indirectly ridicules or refers to a particular race, color, sex, national origin, or religion for military and civilian. However, age, genetic informtion, pregnancy or disability applies to civilians only. Content that is sexual in nature can lead to non-verbal sexual harassment. Racial slurs, derogatory terms or remarks, explicit jokes, inappropriate comics, pictures and or videos are also a violation. If you are online and discover something in any of the categories above posted by an Airman or federal civilian employee, what should you do? Report it to the chain of command or the EO office, who will notify the 20th Communications Squadron if it involves U.S. government equipment. All supervisors are responsible for ensuring online communication is always professional and avoids EO policy violations. Social network access is a freedom we should use, not abuse. The EO office can be reached at 895-1265.