Just because we can, does not mean we should = the complex decision facing marketers and social media.

Let's think about what this topic really means, I am sure everybody has a different skew on it. My impression is that the explosion of social media has an ethical dimension which is not necessarily being explored fully.

Avenues of discussion could include the possible dangers facing minors on sites like MySpace and Facebook, where they can be tempted to post personal information.

My assignment was on advergames, and my research touched on the question of the ethical implications of using advergames in certain ways, and the dangers of the lack of regulation. Advergames are interactive video games hosted on company's web sites that advertise the company's product or persuade internet users to stay on the web site for longer. The company's brand might be the character in the game or in the background. Most companies that use advergames are for sugary snacks and soda companies, and most advergames are targeted towards children.

Are advergames pressuring children to eat unhealthy foods? Television ads as well as radio and newspaper ads, have to be really careful in how they advertise to kids because of regulations. Should advergames be subject to the same regulations (because they are not at the moment)? The advertising message could be hidden beneath an addictive game, and some advergames have special bonus levels or features which players can only unlock by typing in a code on the physical wrapper of the product they are advertising.