Abstract:
Despite the convenient and compelling nature of social media, netiquette or good conduct in its
use remains a remote practice. Being a primary agent of socialization, the social media is a
popular means by which individuals exchange personal information, a situation that requires
high morals, integrity and individual discipline to be exercised during such exchange. This study
presents a mini review of university students’ views of social media netiquette and online safety
with particular focus on issues of practice relevant to university students in selected disciplines
with a special focus on those in the health sciences departments at Kabianga University. An
evolving emergent research design was engaged using the search strategy, Find It with keywords
like Face book, Twitter, netiquette, patient privacy and social media, student behavior and
internet. Students had what they referred to as favorite applications (apps) on social media where
both personal and private issues as well as public debate and discourse were freely exchanged.
Notably, with a great variety of clientele visiting such sites, unaware of their impact, there is
always the danger of being misinterpreted or revealing confidentialities unknowingly. There is
need therefore, to establish national and institutional policies regarding etiquette and privacy in
the use of social media in public universities and health institutions. A less generic review
addressing particular disciplines and circumstances is also recommended for more input
regarding social media.
