Social Media has created a culture where people learn to open up, share, and talk about practically everything, no matter how big or small. They share every little detail about their lives and loved ones and also talk about deep personal traumas and things they usually never address.
But is there such a thing as social media etiquette? I am thinking of the classic book of manners and social protocols by author/socialite Emily Post. In 1922 she garnered nationwide success with her book ‘Etiquette in Society, In Business, in Politics, and at Home.’ I wonder what she would say the new rules would be? So here’s my stab at it.
Keep It Concise…
Announcing the death of a loved one is a challenging task. The first 24 hours after losing a loved one is a period of shock. Don’t announce the death online unless you are sure that all the family and close friends that should know about the death have been notified. Then, follow the family’s lead. Share the website link, funeral home social media post, or family member’s post regarding the date and time of visitation and funeral services. Do not post the cause of the actual death.
Never post anything negative about the deceased or offer a negative comment on someone else’s post. Social media allows you to communicate rapidly and widely. Sharing information can help the family from having to repeatedly share the cause of death with extended families and acquaintances.
Wait before you post; use care and tact. Use sensitive wording and keep things simple. Make sure you notify close family and friends more personally first. A phone call or private message (depending on the circumstances) is always best.
The Joyful Connect/Content…
It would be best if you celebrated birthdays, marriages, weddings, holidays, graduations, job promotions, and business success through social media. It’s happy times with happy talk. Show pictures.
The best pictures on social media are children and babies being who they are.
To Bare Or Not to Bare (Hips, Thighs and Other Body Parts)…
People often think posting provocative photos on social media is a form of self-confidence. So why do you need acceptance and sexual attention from random people?
Also, I question the morals and values of people who need this type of attention. Keep your body parts to yourself. You are in trouble if you show your anatomy via social media. Show the real thing directly to whomever.
“Foodstagramming”
Some call it ‘foodstagramming‘ when people share photos of their food online. Also, they think the food looks delicious and beautiful, and they like food and want to share their experience with others. Some people simply want to say, “look at this amazing experience I’m having – don’t you wish you could be having it too.” Millennials’ relationship with food often boosts their brand-building.
Do you think people care about your food, unless you are a caterer or a top-notch chef, sharing your recipes or secrets to cooking? According to some studies, sharing food images on social media makes food taste better because taking snapshots of food makes the brain concentrate more on the smell and taste of the food.
Extra! Extra! Post All About It!
Share your reviews on pop culture, be a movie critic, a TV critic, a new music release, or a book. People value your opinion and want to know what you think. Share a link if you can.
Free Politics and Advertising…
Would you believe only 9% of adult social media users say they post or share things about political or social issues on social media? One of the top reasons they say they do not post or share about these topics are concerns that they will be used against them and not wanting to be attacked for their views. It’s okay to share your political opinion on candidates and issues, but keep it clean and simple. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Change your profile picture to show support for a candidate or cause. Politicians probably share social media best as they campaign.
Promote! Promote! Promote!
Business people should use social media to the hilt, let people know what you are doing and where they are, and when you have specials. Social media plays a significant role in how people purchase and has enormously impacted the marketing and advertisement industry. Pay attention to Amazon. That’s how you do it.
Sharing is Caring…
If you have had a significant life change, share it. Celebrating something new is essential. People tend to share the positive things that happen to them with others, making the event more memorable. The purpose should definitely shape the narrative.
Stop Posting About Your Ailments!
A purple-and-blue broken foot, a cracked and bloody chin, or leaky body parts are just a few of the images on social media. When in the hospital, do you want to show your sick pictures and the progress of your illness? Unfortunately, sharing has gone too far.
Some celebrities share their lives on social media, including personal hospital visits and stays. It’s a part of making whatever they are battling more acceptable and a way to make people realize they are not alone. But most of us aren’t celebrities, and we aren’t really “helping” anyone by posting a photo of our face drooping and our mouth filled with cotton after having our wisdom teeth pulled or hooked up to IVs post-surgery.
These posts don’t generate conversation nor entertain, amuse or educate others. They’re simply a sign of desperation, a need for attention, a craving for people to comment with: “OMG, get better!!!” and “what happened?” or “thinking of you!”
There’s no need to post images or tales of medical woes online in a sad or desperate plea to get attention and to feel “loved.” You should have some real friends.
T-H-I-N-K Before You Post!
Before you post on social media, ask yourself these questions:
T – Is It True?
H – Is It Helpful?
I – Is It Inspiring?
N – Is It Necessary?
K – Is It Kind?
And my final thoughts:
If there is danger in your community, share it. You may prevent a crime.
All news is not worth reporting. Sometimes you can be overwhelmed with tragedy. But occasionally, the tragedy on social media records the victim or bad guy.
Share it when you see the bizarre, the strange, and the unusual. You may save somebody.
Do you want to share the crime story?
Remember, not all posts are worth posting.
