You already know there are etiquette rules for things like eating with others (put your phone away) or meeting someone for the first time (introduce yourself). It is really no different when you are online. Netiquette is the correct or acceptable way of communicating on the internet.
While there are many things to keep in mind anytime you are online, some of the key components of online etiquette are:
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Social media platforms allow you to communicate informally with others, find people, and share similar interests. They also allow users to directly connect with one another through groups, networks, and locations. These platforms can be used for good, but they can also be used in negative ways. It is important to use them as intended and look to them as a positive resource.
This is the most popular social media platform in the world, Facebook allows you to share updates, photos, and videos. You can also use Facebook to get updates from businesses, organizations, and government agencies. It includes an instant messaging service known as Messenger. | |
LinkedIn is all about building your professional network. You can build a profile that includes work experience, education, and professional expertise. Many companies use LinkedIn to post job opportunities and connect with potential employees. | |
Twitter is a platform where users share short “tweets” of no more than 280 characters. It can be a great place to follow breaking news stories as people post public updates. Many public figures use Twitter to communicate with fans and followers. You can determine who you follow to tailor your feed to your interests. | |
On Instagram, users can edit and share images and short videos. Content tags (often called “hashtags” for the # sign that precedes them) allow users to filter content easily. Instagram has been owned by Facebook since 2012. It also has a direct message feature that allows you to connect with other users. |
Privacy Settings: All social media sites have privacy settings. It is important to review these frequently to make sure they are set up the way you want them. You want to control who can see your posts or who can reach out to you. Privacy settings allow you to do this and more.
Scams: Don’t always trust what you see. Just as we discussed making sure you evaluate search results carefully earlier, you need to do some homework if you see something that seems too good to be true. Chances are, it probably is.
Child Safety: There are ways to control what kids can see or post on social media. If you have a child in your life, make sure you review these settings to keep them safe.
Be Mindful: Before you post anything, take a moment to reflect on who might see it and/or how someone may take it. Once something is posted, it is out there for people to see. Even if you delete it, a screenshot could come back to haunt you.
Passwords: Many social media sites have password rules set up to try to help protect you. Strong passwords are less likely to be hacked. Think about things like the length of the password, if you use it for another site, and using symbols with letters and numbers.
Another benefit of social media is the ability to stay in touch with family and friends who are far away. Facebook, for example, lets you create group pages. You could create one just for you and your cousins. Once they are invited and become members, you can share things like family photos and other updates. You can even search for groups others have created and request to join. Maybe you like to garden and you would love to be able to ask questions to others with that same interest. Joining a group on Facebook or following a master gardener on Twitter may be the answer.
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As you watch the short video below, think about how you could use social media to advance your own career.
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