It ain’t easy being on social media
Using social media requires a certain amount of self-reflection. At least it does if you want a social media existence that won’t ruin your career, your reputation or come back to haunt you in 10 years.
I can’t help but think that a moment of forethought before a tweet, a post or a video upload would have saved a few people from weeks of media attention or the end of a career. You don’t have to be a politician or celebrity to fall on your social media sword. Stories abound of lost relationships and ruined reputations for those who failed to understand the power of social media.
Here are my observations on what to consider when socializing on social media. It is by no means definitive. Your suggestions for additions, deletions and other feedback are always welcome.
Use social media if you think any of these statements are true:
- Social media is a set of tools. It’s up to me to decide to contribute with honesty and integrity.
- I don’t use social media to express my passive-aggressive anger at other people.
- It’s not all about me. I read and comment on posts from other people in my social media community.
- Social media has a very long shelf life. I think before I post something angry, inappropriate or hurtful.
- I can keep it in perspective. My friends are still my friends even if they don’t “like” me on Facebook, comment on my blog posts or retweet my tweets.
Avoid social media if you think any of these statements are true:
- It’s easy and fast to post so why waste time thinking about what I am saying.
- Other people think my remarks are insensitive and old-fashioned because they misunderstand me.
- Social media is private. Only my friends look at my posts so its okay to post videos of my embarrassing, illegal and/or immoral activities.
- I have an uncontrollable compulsion to share my socially-inappropriate habits.
- I believe that being “anonymous” is a licence to say things I would never repeat if my identity were known.
Credit: Image from pixabay.
sociablejones 