Social Media In The Military

Social media are computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, career interests and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. As such, social media has become increasingly important as a communication channel, not only in the civilian society but also in the military sector. Malaysian Army personnel is not excluded, as it is a guarantee that each army personnel regardless of the generation gaps, does own a smartphone and all are interconnected somewhat with the internet and the myriad of popular social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and lots more.

Some of the army personnel also use these social media as means of communications and
However, social media also carry some risks, particularly in terms of security breaches and accidental disclosure of sensitive information. Therefore, social media has its advantages and disadvantages both in personal and professional level. Access to social media influences the emotional and physical being of an army personnel as enhanced contact with family can strengthen relationships and feelings of intimacy, but personnel may also be distract by the concerns of family and loved ones. Using social media as an outlet for feelings and anger towards their superiors also brings unjust and explicit negativity from the publics towards the Army. Using geo-tagging while being in an operation or in a military camp carries potential risk towards personal safety and also inadvertently revealing a sensitive
Currently, there is a disconnection between military policy and social media use, and policymakers are often overlook social media importance towards Army personnel and their families, and its emerging role in operational practice. For example, disciplinary policy regarding misuse or careless use of social media is inadequate considering the potential risks to personal safety or loss of sensitive information. Therefore, a thorough and reinforced disciplinary policy regarding misuse or careless use of social media need to be imposed on those involved or found guilty. Increase in social media security awareness in each Army personnel need to be instilled regardless of who, what or when. More often than not, loss of sensitive information is often leaked from inside the Army organization, as the personnel are unaware of their unintended