Easy Social Media Etiquette Tips
Social media is perhaps the biggest nuance of our generation. It consumes hours and hours of our lives, which can lead it to be a major distraction. In a world where where we are, who we are with, and what we are doing is essential to keeping up appearances, it’s important to recognize the challenges that come with this. Below are some social media etiquette tips to make your online presence even better!
Don’t be constantly on your phone - Don’t be that one person who is constantly on their phone during social situations. It’s incredibly rude and disrespectful. Using your phone makes you seem distant and unavailable, when you should be alert and reachable. Where you are in the present is much more important than what’s on your phone, so always make sure to put it away when needed.
Don’t post photos that you would not want your parents to see - This is a major rule of thumb that I always follow. While your parents might not see photos, they could one day be found by a potential employer. Also, posting inappropriate or provocative photos online just makes you look bad. Would Audrey Hepburn have posted pictures of herself in lingerie for all of the world to see? I don’t think so. She wouldn’t have done it, so you shouldn't either.
Don’t curse on social media - Unlike swearing in real time, swearing on social media is permanent. Also, you have no idea what age your viewers are, so always make sure to censor yourself.
Don’t let it take over your life - This one is a hard one, because social media is everywhere. It is so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. Focus on your own life instead. This also includes not pulling out your phone all the time to take Snapchat stories and Instagram posts. Live in the moment.
Don’t use it as a place to show off - No one wants to see what car you got for your sweet sixteen or your new watch. Remember: money speaks, wealth whispers. Showing off can also make you look insecure. Flaunting all of your luxury goods online makes a lot of people feel bad about themselves if they are unable to have access to these items. If you are on the receiving end of these photos and feel a surge of jealousy coming on, the best thing to do is to be thankful and count your blessings.
Don’t reveal everything about your life -- When posting on social media, it’s important to maintain an “air of mystery.” Don’t post every second of your life. No one needs to see what you had for dinner or what kind of workout you did at the gym. Keep things to yourself, and don’t share too much. You want your online self to be a sneak peek into the real you, not the documentary.
Don’t flaunt your body -- Impress people with your mind, not your body. In a world where people, especially young women, are constantly comparing themselves to endless photos of celebrities and influencers in bikinis, don’t add more to the pile. It’s great that you’re having fun at the beach with your friends, but you don’t need to make anyone else feel bad about themselves in the process.
Don’t feel pressured to post all the time -- You don’t need to keep up with anyone except yourself. Don’t feel the need to post after every vacation, party, or night out. Constantly worrying about getting the perfect photo ruins your focus. Something to do to get rid of this pressure is to limit your social media time to 30 minutes a day -- If you spend countless and countless hours on social media, it will take a serious toll on your life. A little bit a day is good for a little escape and update, but don’t let it consume you.