By STEFANIA CEFOLA
THESE days news no longer breaks, it tweets. Instead of calling up our friends on the landline, we write on their ‘walls’. Gone are the times of gathering around photo albums, pouring over family shots – we’ve got Flickr for that!
In today’s fast-paced world, social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter are taking instantaneous communication to dizzying new heights, and are continuing to revolutionise the way we ‘socialise’.
Stefania Cefola
However, this new breed of communication doesn’t come without its drawbacks. Even for the more internet-savvy, the World Wide Web is turning into a virtual battleground.
According to the Herald Sun, social networking sites are quickly becoming breeding grounds for jealousy, cheating, snooping, ‘stalking’ and strained friendships.
Given the unpredictable climate, it is even more important to bear in mind that ‘real life’ manners still apply in the digital world.
By following these simple 10 steps, you will be able to expertly navigate your way through social networks, while keeping your stellar reputation firmly intact.
1. Always think twice before posting:
As on Twitter, over sharing can be a problem. As intelligent and insightful it might seem to you, no one needs to know every meal you eat, every TV show you watch and every weather condition observed in a status update. Ask yourself whether anyone is likely to care about your comment before you start typing.
2. Avoid updating your status with cryptic messages:
While a poetic song lyric might resonate with you and your dearly beloved, it’s likely no one else is going to understand, or care, for that matter. Always remember how your status reads to people on the outside of your ‘inside joke’. Cryptic talk is only going to leave people irritated and confused.
3. Resist the urge to brag online:
Scroll down your news feed and I can guarantee you will find at least one post that resembles: “I just made the best beef curry” to weekly posts about your next-door neighbour’s son coming first in every spelling bee. Relinquish whatever bragging rights you think you have and I promise your friends will thank you for it.
4. Reduce all photographic forms of pregnant bellies and public displays of affection, to a minimum:
We understand this is a momentous time for you, and you deserve all the celebrations in the world. But no one needs to see revealing and intimate snaps, or your ultrasound scan over their morning latte.
5. Never bag your boss while forgetting they are part of your network:
This rule also applies to calling in sick for work after uploading party snaps from last night’s cocktail party. Not only is this bad etiquette, it can seriously cost you your job and reputation.
6. Do not post and tag unflattering photos of people:
Resist the temptation to post every last photo of your birthday party, especially the images that may cast your guests in an unflattering light. If in doubt, ask your contacts before you tag.
7. Do not post important news – sudden deaths, engagements, shot-gun weddings – instead of calling people directly:
This is a disconcerting trend and a serious misuse of the ‘status’ feature. It is also common courtesy. Facebook is fine for light-hearted topics, but when the news is life changing, face-to-face is the only way to go.
8. Limit application overload:
Facebook groups are designed to serve as a gathering place to share common interest and hobbies. But constant invites to your ‘Farmville’ or Mafia group, and your corporate mates are going to be turned off very quickly. Use only where appropriate.
9. Be aware – breaking up over Facebook is forbidden
This is self-explanatory. The same can be said for text messages and even phone calls. As awful as it may be, if you’ve invested in the relationship, you can spare two minutes to do the deed in person.
10. Refrain from adding people who are not your friends – or ‘poaching’ your friends’ contacts:
Who should you friend? Some people adopt an ‘everyone-welcome’ policy, while others only request the friendship of real-world contacts. Just bear in mind, the bigger your friend network, the more events/invitations/updates you will have to navigate.
Stefania is a self-confessed Facebook addict. She used the following sources in researching this article.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/169120/facebook_etiquette_10_rules_for_better_socializing.html
http://blog.sherweb.com/facebook-etiquette-rules-people-still-break/
