Given the digital age we are all living in, social media has become a major part of all of our lives. It mixes in with both our personal and professional lives, making it important for people of all ages to understand and practice proper social media etiquette. Taking the time to educate ourselves on social media etiquette will help individuals comprehend the true power of the internet. More importantly in some cases, social media etiquette will help people avoid any long-term consequences that may hinder them from getting a job or meeting with a co-worker. Below are some tips on how to use social media positively.
To begin, avoid any hateful or discriminatory language at any costs. This includes profanity! This is both rude and distasteful. It shows that you have no regard for social issues and indicates that one is not able to read a room. Your social media footprint is not only a reflection of yourself, but also the company you work for.
Secondly, refrain from overposting and oversharing. While your social media platform is and ultimately should be yours, it is imperative to think twice about what you are allowing people to see. Some intimate details of your life do not need to be technologically documented and are most likely better to be kept private. Remember, what is posted on the internet, stays on the internet forever.
Additionally, stay away from any suspicious links or accounts. More often than not, hackers will set you up for failure and create profiles and posts that will entice you at first. However, hackers will then gain access to important information that can ruin your social media presence.
There are many more specific little unspoken rules to conquering the confusing world that is social media. However, if you stay respectful, are responsible for your own actions, and remember to keep personal and professional posts separate, you will be fine, and you will be able to use social media as an asset.