A while back, when we hosted MAWC 2015 in Miami, I remember taking the stage and hosting one of my favorite presentations with my brother Steve. We talked about making the most of social media, whether for business or personal use (you can take a look back at that article here, on “Making the Most of Your Social Media”). But one of the most important points from that presentation was on how there is also something that is crucial to building a successful online community: behaving the same way virtually as you would in person.
What you say on any of your social networks should be completely in line with what you’d say to someone if you were in front of them. Because what you say online, just as in “real life,” will stick around to haunt you. Your online persona may be seen by potential employers or clients. So why not put something positive out there so only good can come back to you? In today’s post, I’m sharing some tips on how to be a source of positive energy anywhere you are.
Social Media Etiquette: A Guide to Playing Nice Online
If you don’t have anything nice to say… Don’t say anything at all. Social networks are filled with a variety of individuals with as many varying tastes and perspectives. And they may rub you the wrong way or send you into shock. Still, it’s their right to have their own opinion just as much as it’s your right to have your own. As the old adage goes, sometimes the best thing to do is use restraint. Pause. Think about it. And then, if you feel something a little too “Mean Girls” coming up, keep the comment to yourself.
“Following and unfollowing”… Or “friending and unfriending.” In either case, the choice is entirely up to you. Just as in your daily life, you can choose to limit your interactions with individuals who don’t make you feel good. If there’s no place in your life for toxic friends, negative influences, or bullies, the same goes for your online friendships. But you don’t need to announce it. Just do a swift unfriending or unfollowing and move on to better things. Adding commentary about it publicly will only add fuel to the fire.
Updates and captions… This should go without saying but your captions and updates should reflect who you are and which ideas you’re trying to portray. That being said, think about the fact that anyone and everyone can eventually come across what you post online, even if you keep your account private. So do yourself a favor and keep things PG.
Tag kindly… If you’re tagging friends on social media, keep in mind that they may not want to be associated with certain controversial topics or images. Put yourself in their shoes and think before you tag. Also, consider only posting and tagging images that are flattering, just to be sure to respect everyone’s social status.
To engage or not to engage… You may sometimes come across individuals who will try to elicit a reaction from you –sometimes just because they are bored! — by saying something mean or controversial. Many times, all these people want is a little attention. So if you decide to engage them, keep it short, sweet and to the point. Don’t stoop to their level by flinging insults or engaging negatively. This will only make things worse. For more on this topic, you can read my post “Dealing with Haters.”
Follow the golden rule.. After all, being on a social network is all about just that – being social. And being social means treating others with respect and kindness – the same respect and kindness you’d want shown to you. So if you find yourself tempted to let your snarky side show, just remember that you wouldn’t want the same negative commentary being aimed at you.
Got any pointers on how to play nice online? How do you keep the peace? What are some of your pet peeves? I’d love to hear what you have to say in the comments! xoxo
