In this digital age, we always want to post every single thing on social media---the food we eat, the places were at, the current mood were feeling, the status of our relationship, the grandest celebrations, the progress that we make, our achievements in life, our victories in life, our bad hair days, our downfalls in life, even the conflicts or disagreements that we have with our partner or friend or other people. But sometimes these things can have a serious implications in our lives. When do you draw the line of posting too much and keeping sensitive information to yourself? When do you know what is right to post and what is not? Here are some social media etiquettes that I have devised through first-hand experience and observation.
1. Avoid posting your personal and sensitive information.
Many people tend to overlook this but we should not post our personal or sensitive information to social media. Identity theft has become a worldwide dilemma wherein one's identity is stolen, used in illegal transactions for personal gain. So, there might be one day when you receive a notification from a company that you have bills under your name. That's scary, right? But it happens in real life. Do not post your personal ID or government-issued IDs in social media platforms.
2. Avoid posting your personal or family problems on social media.
Your personal problems require personal solutions and posting it on social media would not warrant any solutions. You would only invite the "marites" to talk about you and subject you to endless gossips. You would only worsen the situation and be subject to ridicule or humiliation among your friends that would take notice of your post. This kinds of issues are supposed to be solved in private.
3. Avoid commenting or posting about other's personal issues.
There are times that we can't help to comment on someone's personal issues but you have to be very mindful on what you comment or say about anyone. You have to take matters like this with a grain of salt. We already have cyberlaws in place that protect your freedom of speech and punish those that are deemed libelous and tarnish one's reputation. It is a double-edged sword. Like Pia Wurtzbach said, "Think before you click". You can read more about the RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 here: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/09/12/republic-act-no-10175/
4. Avoid correcting someone's bad grammar or misspelling publicly in their posts.
If you needed to correct someone regarding misspelling or bad grammar, you do it privately. You can message the person involved, so that he would not be embarrassed and that your intention is not to shame but to educate. It is also imperative to message privately to avoid any misunderstanding.
5. Avoid posting your upcoming plans, promotions, dream house, achievements, etc. in life.
There are many evil and insecure eyes lurking around social media, so be mindful. Crab mentality has always been the societal dilemma that has been going on since time immemorial. There will always be people that would not be as genuinely happy for your success. So, unless that upcoming promotion, plan, dream house is sealed, do not prematurely announce it. Premature announcement attracts negative energies.
6. Be mindful of what you share on social media.
As a professional licensed teacher, I have learned to choose what to share on my newsfeed. After all, we are highly expected to always be professional at all times. I always share positive vibes on my newsfeed i.e funny videos of famous vloggers, the likes of Telma, Rowell Divina-Pambansang Uga, Sassa Gurl, Aling Nena, Steven Bansil, Christian Antolin, and many more. For educational and informative videos, I'd share stuff from the likes of TedEd, NatGeo, BBC, Discovery Channel, What If,
etc. I also share public advisories, or anyone that needs help in finding a missing person, in funding hospital bills, etc. For me, those are the things I share on social media, things were everyone can learn from, things that can benefit everyone, things that everyone can get a lesson from. I just don't post anything just for the sake of sharing something.
7. Avoid posting about any dissatisfaction towards your work.
Your problems at work should only be discussed internally or should only be kept to yourself. Your superiors will probably read your rants on your social media page, and it will leave a very bad impression on their end. This will further hurt your chances of applying for another job in the future. If you want to keep the job that puts food on your table, then do not talk s**t about it. As they say, "don't bite the hands that feed you". I'm not saying that you should not speak up should there be atrocities, but you do it in a proper forum with the people concerned. You will also have your chance in speaking about your grievances or dissatisfaction when you have your exit interview.
8. Ask permission from your friend if you want to tag them or if they wanted to be tagged about a memory.
If you have started being a user of Facebook in the late 2010s, chances are you have memories that are kept in a coffer especially in the "jejemon" days. Memories are part of growing up and it is a gentle reminder of what we used to be. However, there are certain memories that should not be shared as they are shameful or your friend doesn't really feel comfortable sharing it to the world. As a friend, you should respect that request. In cases like this, you have to ask permission to avoid any conflict with your friend.
9. Avoid posting that you are single and you are looking for a partner.
Finding a relationship can be difficult at times but making yourself that you are available can sometimes be misconstrued as cheap, desperate, and pathetic. You should not degrade yourself by posting you are single or what not, the right person will eventually come to you at the right place and time. Just because there is a marketplace on Facebook, doesn't mean that you also sell yourself.
10. Do not overly share or post precious moments with your partner.
It is understandable that we share precious moments with our loved one. It is rather natural that we share to the world how great our relationship is. But the downside is, we cannot always tell the future that you will be forever. In case you notice, most relationships that are heavily featured on social media can only last for so long. But hey, to each his own, right? It is still up to you if you think that posting your private moments on social media is beneficial to your relationship.
So, there you have it, ten social media etiquettes to remember. If you want to add another social media etiquette, please feel free to comment down below. Thank you.