Monday, February 23, 2015

Social Media Etiquette

Social media has been around for quite sometime now, and grows in popularity and relevance daily. I have already written about the three most popular networks: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

However, some of us still don't know how to properly conduct ourselves on these platforms.

Here are some etiquette guidelines I have came up with throughout my many years on social networks.

1. Follow everyone back, unless you're a big celebrity.

If you cannot follow back everyone on Twitter and Instagram, they really serve no purpose on your follower list. Social interacting is supposed to a two way street, not a popularity contest to see whom has the most followers.

2. Do you really need that many friends?

Yes yes I know, some of you know I have huge friend lists on all three major outlets. However, I ensure you that each and every friend and follower has a legitimate purpose on my list. I do regular housecleaning, filtering and deleting. Sometimes you simply have to clean house.

3. Be an active friend

Comment and like on certain pictures and comments. Retweet certain tweets. Most importantly, take the time to talk to a few friends/day if possible.

4. Go outside your close circle of friends and family.

Many people have their settings and filters set so they only see and comment on the updates of certain people. Heck we're all guilty of it. However, it's simply polite and shows good character when you like and comment on something you like, rather than just because your best friend from kindergarten posted it.

5. Respond to every comment in some way.

This can simply mean just saying "thanks everyone" or liking all the comments on a post.  Nevertheless, skipping over a comment someone has made to you is rude and thoughtless.

6. Actually network!

That is part of the purpose of social media, to reconnect with people you already know, and connect more deeply with those you just met or barely know.

7. Answer those idle friend requests.

Don't leave a friend request in limbo for months. Add or delete that person. It's not brain surgery.

OK it's simple. Be kind, exercise good judgment and interact with others.

How do you normally behave on social media? What is your purpose for having a social networking account?

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