Commentary

Toilet Bowl Morality And Today's Ad-Industry Role Models

Swore I wouldn't get wrapped up in the news that reporters kept rehashing about the Google executive's heroin overdose and the security footage revealing him passed out on the floor.

The alleged high-priced call girl takes a final sip of wine and steps over his body before leaving him to die on his yacht. The industry often discusses the morality of company executives who allow the collection of consumer information. But what about the responsibility of these employees to act as role models for today's youth in a world where the Internet has become the social sounding board to air disgustingly dirty laundry?

The Internet heightens awareness and allows the dissemination of information in the "digital revolution." This change in society requires executives at Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft or any other similar company to change as well, lead by example. It's similar to the zero tolerance policy in which police officers, firefighters and those who hold public office need to adhere off and on the job.

These folks are role models. They can no longer walk out from a physical building and disconnect themselves from work. They are representatives of the industry and companies where they work. And now, the World Wide Web keeps us continuously connected to information.

Technology advancements require companies to step up and take responsibility for moral standards of their employees. Those at innovative high-profile companies have become leaders for today's youth, who feel inspired to work side by side with brilliant minds. Often, they don't consider  how future actions will have consequences on the next generation. I'm not suggesting these executives become the sole teacher of an entire generation, but they do need to take responsibility for influencing those wanting to follow in their footsteps.

The actions of one no longer influence a family unit, wife or husband and children. It influences and affects an extended family of those who connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other social sites. It influences those who read the events online at various media sites. It comes from the top down. We learned that after the affair of President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, a former White House intern.

It's unrealistic to think Google and other high-profile companies will rethink their hiring practices and take morality into account when hiring someone to redesign a feature of Google Glass or a search engine algorithm. In my opinion, the separation of off- and on-work hours no longer exist. What employees do during their off work hours becomes a direct reflection of companies that hire them.

"Person Flushing Toilet" photo from Shutterstock.

1 comment about "Toilet Bowl Morality And Today's Ad-Industry Role Models".
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  1. Cynthia Edwards from Razorfish, July 15, 2014 at 3:13 p.m.

    "Don't be evil" #FAIL

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