Inappropriate Use of Digital Media

An experience I have witnessed regarding the inappropriate use of digital media took place in a former school district I was working in.  A parent in the district had a complaint against school staff, but instead of having a face to face conversation with the party who they had a concern with, the parent chose to post scathing accusations using Facebook.  Needless to say, this created a fire-storm of controversy in the school and community.  This particular parent used the power that digital media gives without following the proper channels of communication, especially to handle conflict, and unnecessary controversy, mistrust, and fall-out resulted.