THE ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROFESSIONAL TOWARDS SOCIAL NETWORKS

Abstract

The use of social media by professionals f rom various f ields has intensified in recent years, driven by new communication dynamics and the visibility and reach of these platforms. However, professional engagement in these virtual spaces demands ethical responsibility, especially regarding public exposure, the dissemination of sensitive content, and the risks of improper self - promotion. This article aims to analyze the main ethical challenges faced by professionals using social media, discussing boundaries, conduct, and the need for regulation and critical education. The research follows a qualitative approach and is based on a documentary analysis of four relevant academic texts, sourced f rom different platforms: Revista Brasileira de Educação Médica (SciELO), the PUC-Rio Academic Document Portal, the IV CONAIS – National Interdisciplinary Health Congress platform, and the repository of the Catholic University of Pelotas (UCPel). The analyzed texts address the ethical impacts of digital conduct by doctors, psychologists, and media professionals. The study reveals a lack of clear regulatory guidelines, gaps in academic training on digital ethics, and the urgent need to rethink the role of social media in constructing professional identity. Grounded in authors such as Ricoeur, Kant, Mendes, and Souza et al., the article advocates for a relational, critical, and public ethics as the foundation for a responsible digital presence.