7. Dealing with issues and conflict
Anything online is forever
Often the message is that we should behave better online than the way we would in person. Why? You might never be able to fully erase anything you post, share, or say online and you could face consequences now or in the future. The eProfessionalism module has more information about your “digital footprint”.
Reasons to be careful about what you share online:
- Even if you have privacy settings on your social media accounts, once you share something on the internet, it can become out of your control.
- It is commonplace for employers to check candidates’ social media before making hiring decisions.
- If you bully or harass others you could breach UQ Policy and Procedure Library, such as Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy, and Prevention of Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Behaviours Procedure
- 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 as well as share images and videos.
Check out the university’s Instagram handles @uniofqld and @uqlife for tips on navigating university life at UQ.
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 called trolls. The Social media module has more information about trolls and cyber abuse.
Cyber bullying
In your learning communities and UQ 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 Support if it is a course related incident. If it is external to UQ, report them to the admin of the online site. The Respect page has helpful information if you experience online sexual harassment and for emergency support. You can also download the UQ SafeZone App for assistance on campus.
Language barriers
Language barriers can cause misunderstandings, conflict, and frustration. However, it is important to note that while UQ is located in a predominantly English-speaking country, many UQ 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?”
Remain reasonable but let them know that what they have sent has affected you. Hopefully the other person will realise that it is better to work with you than start a fight. This also applies to you. Try to put yourself in the other person’s position and direct your comments to the cause of the problem. Don’t place blame on the other person.
What do you think?