The ongoing “Marines United” scandal, as well as emerging illicit photo sharing scandals in the Army and Navy, raise the question of whether social media helps or hurts the good order and discipline of the United States military.

In past weeks, the vast amount of mounting evidence on the “Marines United” Facebook group page supplies ample evidence that the ability to post, share, notify, and freely distribute various forms of electronic media has been exceptionally damaging to the discipline of the Marines. In addition, written social media comments by Marines United members, visitors, and other parties against women and other service members has been damaging. In this instance, clearly, the use of Facebook and other social media platforms has damaged both the image of the U.S. military and the reputation of serving military members, primarily women.