Accession Number:

ADA564014

Title:

Social Media: Strategic Asset or Operational Vulnerability?

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL WAR COLL NEWPORT RI JOINT MILITARY OPERATIONS DEPT

Personal Author(s):

• Winchester, Charles P.

Report Date:

2012-05-04

Pagination or Media Count:

23.0

Abstract:

At of the end of 2011, Facebook had 845 million monthly users, and these monthly users have the ability to communicate globally, share information instantly, and influence opinions. This ability to communicate globally, when viewed operationally, has caused social media to become another element of the joint operating environment and is something military commanders must consider as both an asset and a possible critical vulnerability. Left unchecked social media can be a critical strategic and operational vulnerability that can have an impact on operational success if it is not protected and used properly. Operational commanders must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of social media and have safeguards in place to ensure it does not become a vulnerability. Social media is now part of the operating environment and should be considered alongside other operational functions when conducting planning.

Descriptors:

• *MEDIA
• MILITARY COMMANDERS
• SAFETY
• SKILLS
• SOCIAL COMMUNICATION
• VULNERABILITY

Subject Categories:

• Radio Communications

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE