Social media etiquette – To post or not to post

QUEZON City, Philippines (January 20) – Social media is nigh ubiquitous in this day and age. And although it is very tempting to post everything and anything that comes to mind, you must know that there is an etiquette that we have to follow and consider before hitting the “post” button.

AVOID POSTING NEGATIVE THINGS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Remember that you represent your profile, your business or your profession. Better post something that is positive. Nobody wants to be with a negative individual. This rule can be applied when giving comments to post. Be encouraging

TAGGING A FRIEND. Be considerate in tagging your friends, if it’s the first time you tag someone, especially those who wore revealing clothes during swimming party, ask them or personally message your friend about the photo. To some people, the way they look in the photo matters to them. So better ask them too.

DRAW THE LINE. What should be shared and what should be kept private?  Identify what is public and what is private in your life. Remember that too much information may be used against you. Your privacy can be invaded just by sharing where you are, what you always do or where you always go. Your security is at risk.

Social media gives sympathy for people who feel down about themselves by receiving likes and positive feedback. But be careful and always mind the line. Example, your family is dealing with an issue. Someone from the member would status “Hay! Kainis sa bahay?” this status will lead to questions from not so concerned citizens to ask what happened and might lead to gossips. Remember that this post will be seen by your virtual friends; depend on your profile setting. Do you really want people to know what you feel? Do you want the world to know how broken you are? Remember that, when you were a child you make sure that someone will see when you cry, but as a grown up, you make sure nobody sees you cry.

5 MOST OBNOXIOUS KINDS OF UPDATE ACCORDING TO REAL SIMPLE READERS: intentionally vague post, meaningless calls to action, chronic complaining, over- sharing and posting too frequently.

Intentionally vague post may lead to misunderstanding or worst a continuous issue in social media. You don’t want a serye for your virtual friends, don’t you? Better address your issues properly and be careful in choosing your words. Evaluate your issue if it has sense.  Master the art of euphemism or sugarcoating.  Again, avoid posting something negative, like in life; try to focus on the brighter side. Nothing will happen if you dwell in negativity. Maloloka ka! Lastly, be careful in choosing what to post or share to public. Consider your audience and yourself.

The world is getting smaller with the advent of the online community and the world can see you now. Like in a real and concrete community, be a responsible netizen, respectful and considerate with your virtual friends. The rule in social media is simple: The Golden Rule.

Do not do to others what you do not want to do unto you.

(written by Karen Llacuna, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)