Enhancing Integrity among Academicians in Social Media: Exploring Challenges and Management Strategies in the Realm of Digital Era

Abstract

The rapid evolution of social media in the digital era has transformed the way academicians communicate, collaborate, and disseminate knowledge. While offering unprecedented opportunities for academic engagement, social media also presents significant challenges to maintaining academic integrity. Issues such as misinformation, plagiarism, breaches of confidentiality, and unprofessional behavior have become increasingly prevalent, blurring the lines between personal expression and professional responsibility. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges faced by academicians in upholding integrity on social media platforms, particularly in managing ethical boundaries, professionalism, and institutional expectations. Adopting a qualitative approach through a comprehensive literature review, this study identifies key risks and proposes practical management strategies that institutions can adopt to safeguard academic credibility. The findings suggest that the implementation of clear institutional policies, the promotion of digital ethics, and the cultivation of a culture of accountability are critical to enhancing integrity among academicians online. The study also recommends incorporating digital ethics education into academic training to prepare future scholars for responsible digital engagement. Ultimately, the paper contributes to ongoing discourse on ethical academic practices in the digital realm and offers actionable insights for higher education institutions.