Social Media Ethics and Etiquettes

What Ethics is to be followed on Social Media

Hey there, fellow future Influencer!

In this section, we’ll be examining social media ethics and etiquette. In simple terms, social media etiquette refers to the guidelines that one follows to preserve their reputation online. It addresses maintaining one’s own and others’ dignity, respect, and privacy. Here are some basic social media ethics and etiquettes tips you can practice, to make your page more solicitous:

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Avoid Oversharing

Your social media feeds shouldn’t read like an inner monologue. Occasionally sharing what your cat’s up to or how awesome dinner was last night is fine. But over-sharing – as in posting your cereal choice every morning – is the quickest way to lose your friends and followers. You want your page to be interesting, engaging, and representative of your best characteristics. You don’t want to dilute it with scads of irrelevant posts.

Be more mindful about your Sense of Humor

Unless you send a private message, your social media posts are visible to people other than your friends and family. What is acceptable in a locker room or frat house may not be acceptable in a setting where people from various backgrounds congregate. This isn't to say that you can't use appropriate humor in your posts, but just understand your humor isn’t universal.

Don’t Be Reactive

There are many ways to start a social media spat, from personally responding to a politically tinged Facebook post, to publicly calling someone out for wrongdoing. No matter how the fight starts, the results aren’t constructive. In addition to alienating your adversary and his or her associates, you could risk developing a reputation as a hot head.

Be cautious while Posting and Tagging Photo

If you’re posting a group photo, ask permission before tagging your friends, or post the photo with the caption “Tag yourself” to encourage others to take the initiative.

Be Thoughtful of the Future

Remove and un-tag morally or legally questionable photos. Find and delete any disparaging comments you’ve made about previous employers or colleagues.

Don’t Misrepresent Yourself

Dishonesty can have serious personal and professional consequences, even on social media. When you're hiding behind a screen, it's easy to misrepresent yourself.

Understand and Implement the Best Practices

You become an active user of a new social media platform, read up on its best practices. And since these practices can change as new features emerge, study up each month to stay current.

Avoid unnecessary Negativity

Try to avoid unnecessary complaining on social media platforms. Although your complaint may be valid, it’s always good social media etiquette to not appear to be spreading negativity.