Robin Raskin is the founder of Living in
Digital Times, a conference and events program that looks at the intersection
of life and technology. She is the former editor of PC Magazine (when it was
printed), FamilyPC and Yahoo!Tech. Book author, TV and radio personality, and
magazine and web blogger, Robin has never met a media she didn’t love. Follow
her @robinr.
Is your social media behavior
cringe-worthy? Will you look back on your 140 characters today with remorse
tomorrow? There’s no one arbiter of good taste on social media. In fact,
‘experts’ have been doling out advice since the Internet came into being. From
Ann Landers writing about Internet addiction in 1998 to manners maven Emily
Post and her kids and grandkids who are trying to bring good mannered
sensibility to the Internet.
My credentials aren’t impeccable manners
but the school of hard knocks, beginning with a 300 baud modem and a BBS
connection. I’m no Internet native, but I have learned a few things about
social media manners which I’m happy to share. In fact, let’s make it a group
effort, so feel free to chime in below.
Googling:
Try not to indulge more than you have to;
your brain gets rusty from lack of use. Really think about who starred in Mary
Poppins before you race to look it up. You’ll be better for it.
Tattling: Are you your brother’s social
media keeper? The photo with too much cleavage, the beer bottle shot? Limit the
pictures you post of other people, especially their past. If someone is posting
old pictures of you, the first line of attack should be to talk directly to the
offenders about over-sharing. If they de-friend you, you’ve tried. If they tell
you “you overshare, too,” they’re probably right.
Relationships:
Tell your good friends about your breakup
before you change your relationship status. They hate feeling like they had to
learn it online. And don’t be the first in your relationship to rush to status
change — doing it together shows maturity.
Posting
Family Photos:
If they’re old enough to answer in the
affirmative, then ask permission before posting. Be especially mindful of
bathroom, bikini or paunch shots they’ll loathe you for.
Bragging:
Vacations, weddings and other shared family
photos probably bore your OWN family. Edit judiciously before sharing.
Mobile
Photography:
You’re “in the moment”. They’re not. Make
sure the photo is focused and recognizable before hitting the share button.
Sympathy:
Posting a notice about a death of a friend or
relative is alright. The outpouring of support is fantastic. As for offering
condolences, it’s fine to memorialize on Facebook — even helpful.
Social Media — In General: As they said
about after-school activities when I was applying to college: Limit yourself to
three — do one really well.
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