Delete Your Account

Abstract

Social media cannibalizes its users. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are fraught with traps at every turn, which can cause even their most religious adherents to burn out or self destruct. These dangers run the gamut from the irritations of misinterpreted posts to combating those on a sole mission to goad co-users, to the career-ending, offensive statements that users regret for years-- or will seek penance for years from now. The perils of social media are something of a running joke among users who often comment that the best wisdom is to “never tweet” or who reply disapprovingly to a post with a curt “delete your account.”

Notwithstanding the ironic title and the severe pitfalls associated with social media use, this essay stands to praise these platforms’ ability to democratize the law and encourages members of the legal community to harness its power to educate the public responsibly. It is the goal of this short symposium contribution to square the ideals associated with legal practice and social media use. The essay will then offer some basic norms for legal professionals’ consideration while using social media to communicate to the public.