7. Dealing with issues and conflict
Anything online is forever
A common message we hear is to behave better online than you might in person. Why? Because whatever you post, share, or say online could be permanent, and may lead to consequences, either now or in the future. The eProfessionalism module has more information about your “digital footprint”.
It’s important to be respectful and considerate online :
- Even when you set your social media profiles to private, anything you post can quickly slip beyond your grasp.
- It is commonplace for employers to check candidates’ social media before making hiring decisions.
- If you bully or harass others you could breach the Student Charter or Charles Sturt policies on Student Misconduct and Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment Prevention.
- There can be legal ramifications and long-term damage to your reputation if your comments are considered defamatory or racist.
Social media
It is common to use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to meet new people, receive updates about events and share images and videos.
Check out Charles Sturt’s socials on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for tips on navigating university life at Charles Sturt. For tips on using LinkedIn to boost your personal brand and advance your career check out the Build your brand – uncover the incredible potential of LinkedIn workshop run by our Careers Team.
Be wise when posting things to your social media platforms. Adjust your privacy settings to increase your online safety. Avoid sharing personal details about yourself like your home and workplace address. Read more about social media scams, fake accounts and privacy issues in the Social media module.
Why do people behave badly online?
The anonymity of online interactions can cause some people to make rude or inflammatory comments. People who behave this way are referred to as trolls. The Social media module has more information about trolls and cyber abuse.
Cyber bullying
In your learning communities and Charles Sturt courses it is more likely that you will experience a thoughtless response or an insensitive comment than a systematic attack by a troll. If you do experience bullying, it is best not to respond to them and block them if you can.
Notify your course coordinator or get help from Student Central if it is a course related incident. If it is external to Charles Sturt, report them to the admin of the online site. The Support and wellbeing page has helpful information if you experience online sexual harassment and for emergency support.
Language barriers
Language barriers can cause misunderstandings, conflict, and frustration. However, it is important to note that while Charles Sturt is located in a predominantly English-speaking country, many Charles Sturt students are from non-English speaking countries. In the workplace you may work with people from a variety of backgrounds. While communicating with people from different language backgrounds it is critical to be patient, understanding and respectful.
Resolving online conflict
If you do experience conflict, try these steps to resolve it:
- If you feel angry, don’t send an email or post a comment. Wait until you have had a chance to think and feel a bit calmer. Get a friend or relative to read it first.
- Try to use cautious language that doesn’t accuse the other person. e.g. “I am wondering…” or “I feel like…”
- Ask for clarification. If you think someone has said something negative, ask them what they meant in a carefully worded manner. e.g. Don’t write “What?” Try “I am a bit confused about your last message. What did you mean when you said …?”
- If their reply is rude or hurtful, explain how it makes you feel rather than getting angry e.g. “When you say that — use their exact words — it makes me feel ….”
- Try to reach an agreement or solution e.g. “What do you think needs to be included in that section?” or “I included that because … Do you have other ideas?”
Stay rational, but communicate to them that their message has had an impact on you. Focus your remarks on addressing the root of the issue rather than singling out the individual.
What do you think?