Social Media Etiquette: Basic Rules of Engagement

The world of social media is still considered to be like the Wild West with many unchartered territories. It’s hard to enforce order in a world where we’re still learning about what works and what doesn’t. Although it’s no holds barred in the land of type, send, and receive, there are rules of engagement we should be mindful of. And if we create our own set of guidelines, we’ll be less likely to create faux pas where we need to retract what we said or delete something if maybe our employer didn’t get the joke. There are standards that we should follow across all social media platforms. Remember, for every cause there is an effect!

Over-sharing

I’ve seen interesting stories and comments that people post, but there’s such thing as too much information. Social media is a great way of finding out the latest and greatest in people’s lives, but there are times where less is more. I don’t want to know about the drama with your husband or the fight that you’re having with your neighbor. I’ve even seen full out brawls on my newsfeed, which in my opinion is in poor taste. Now, now, kids, let’s play nice!

A Digital Footprint Lasts Forever

There are times when we don’t really take a look at the bigger picture of what we’re posting. Will it come to bite us in the you-know-what? I’ve met numerous people who have regretted a post or two and experienced unexpected consequences. So remember to think twice before trying to be witty on social media.

Put Your Clothes Back On!

There’s a difference between being a professional model in an ad campaign and posing half naked with your iPhone in front of the mirror with duck lips on Instagram. Don’t get me wrong—I know the importance of “live and let live,” but it’s come to a point where people lose perspective on how they’re being perceived. Be mindful of your employer and future serious opportunities. How will your scantily clad pictures affect your future endeavors? Will it help or hurt your brand? There’s a way to parlay your outfits and killer bod in a way that helps your image instead of tarnishing it.

Ask Permission

How many times have people posted their pictures, products, and messages on your wall without asking for your permission first? To invade someone’s social media space for their own marketing agenda is an absolute no-no. It doesn’t matter if it’s the best product around. Be mindful with people’s feed, wall, and group messages. Chances are if you tag me, post, or send me something that’s not relevant to me in a mass marketing way without asking my permission, I will delete it without even reading it. In a world with so much white noise, be purposeful with your messaging.

To Tag or Not to Tag?

Always think twice before tagging anyone. This is an extension of my tip before. If it’s not pertinent to the person you’re tagging, then please don’t. Ask the person if it’s ok to tag them in the picture or to check them into a location. How many times have you taken a picture where you’re cross-eyed and your best friend wants to post it and tag you? Thank goodness there are privacy settings on Facebook where you can control what goes on your wall. Just don’t be that person!

Be Mindful of Your Images and Messages

You have every right to post what you want, but how many times have you scrolled through your feed to see images that are borderline inappropriate because of their graphic content? I’ve had moments where I run into images that stay with me all day, and not in a good way, because of the gruesome nature or because of the negativity it ensues. For example, I’m a huge animal activist, but I’m very strategic on how I want people to support heart-wrenching causes to create authentic change. There’s no hiding from the world’s reality, but if you want to make a difference by using social media, then have a strategy that will lend itself to an action that can be trackable to lend itself to making a difference.

Extra, Extra! Read All About It

We all hear good news and bad news on a daily basis. However, it is important to be delicate regarding sensitive information that should be shared in person or via a phone call. Don’t let your parents find out that you’re engaged or expecting on Facebook. Be thoughtful with the nature of the news you want to share and how it should be received. We don’t want to find out about the passing of a dear relative online. Get in touch with life’s sensibilities and think twice before clicking post.

This article by Andrea Ocampo was originally published on Miami Social Magazine.