Ladylike Laws: Social Media Etiquette
Just because we live in the digital age doesn’t mean manners have become obsolete. Rather, they have evolved. Now that we communicate with one another (constantly!) through various social media channels, we need to exercise our best (online) etiquette now more than ever. I think that because we can easily hide behind a computer or phone, we often take chances online—behaving in ways we wouldn’t otherwise act in public. This can be great because it encourages us to take chances and be more forthcoming, however, it can also create a diffused sense of responsibility for our actions. In light of this, I will be going over the do’s and don’ts of social media etiquette today! Take note and don’t forget to share this post on your social media feeds, too…
The Do’s
- Do remember that your comments and postings will follow you (long, long after they have been shared). If you wouldn’t say it in front of your grandmother, it’s probably not a good idea to post it online.
- Do consider your tone. Are you a “Face-bragger” or complainer? If so, reconsider your posting strategy because no one likes a Debbie Downer or a pompous poster.
- Do think before you tag or upload. There’s nothing worse than someone tagging you in the most unflattering photo imaginable. When you do tag someone or upload a photo of them, put yourself in their shoes and reconsider if you’re unsure. Remember that your online actions can affect others.
- Do ignore. If someone is being mean to you online or says something you totally don’t agree with, just ignore them. It’s the graceful thing to do.
The Don’ts
- Don’t overshare. There is a line that is often crossed and it’s important to remember where to draw it. No, I don’t care to hear about your bodily functions or sad breakup rant. Sorry. Some things are meant to be personal, which takes me to my next point…
- Don’t get too personal. Arguments, feuds and the like are best kept offline. Personal attacks not only reflect poorly on the attacker, but let’s be honest here, no one wants to see it anyway. Also, don’t take things too personally either. If someone doesn’t friend you or tweet you back right away, it probably means they haven't been checking their account as often as you. Give them time!
- Don’t constantly ask people to follow you or like your page. It’s not only demanding, but you should let people follow and like what they want.
- Don’t overload everyone’s feed. Nothing annoys me like someone tweeting 10 things in a row or pinning 100 images all at once. I’m sure more of you are probably not fans either.
The Golden Rule
Act the way you want to be treated online. And share this post—let’s spread the word! (You can use the social media icons at the bottom of this post to share it in a snap.)
What are your biggest social media pet peeves? Sound off below!
XO Lauren
Photo: Tumblr
68 comments
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My biggest pet peeve would have to be when people share TOO much like you said. Don't give me a reason to unfollow you! -
that is sooo true!..I love you so much lauren ..you r such an inspiration..cheers from baghdad :) -
How can i act towards rude people when they say mean things to my face without showing anger or that they got into me? -
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Hi Lauren
I think you're a doll, and are completely appropriate in style and candor for my daughter of 19, but I am 51, and although I would love to take all of your advice because it is so fun, it's not always age appropriate for me. Can you please suggest a blog or website that I might sign up for that is more inline with say what your mom, or someone her age (although, I expect she's younger than I)might better benefit from? Thanks!
Andi-
I would suggest Gwenyth Paltrow's blog, www.goop.com, she's a little bit older, a mother, wife, so she would probably have more advice on things you are interested in!
Caitlyn-
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Hi Caitlyn
I just checked out Goop. It's nice, but, boy, it's way out of my range. I'm a single mom. It's really just kind of depressing. I am in no way able to even consider the items she is suggesting. Any other suggestions?
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Social Media
etiquette Your view of it pretty! My opinion, "How you doing..." Obviously your parents are basing high school love over GROWTH so the Ladylike Law:
Do's and Don's It's (your choice) Personally I change feelings freely better then comment post do'sand don'ts ... BUT L.A ISN'T PARIS!!!
Sincerely,
Volume
P.S
TeamDriod -
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Great post! I agree completely. I hate when people use Facebook as their diary. Check out my blog: http://thechicstreetblog.blogspot.com/ -
i usually don't post anything up unil like 4 days from the other posting because i don't like over posting things to me thats to many times that i feel I'm posting up things. i don't put up anything that is my own thing to worry about nobody has to read about my life. -
"Don’t get too personal. Arguments, feuds and the like are best kept offline. Personal attacks not only reflect poorly on the attacker, but let’s be honest here, no one wants to see it anyway"
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I think this hits very close to home. I have a friend that makes jabs on Facebook statuses all the time but won't name the person they're upset at. So its very passive aggressive and you're right, it makes the other person look bad!
http://annezca.blogspot.com -
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If you can't say it out loud in a public library or bank, it probably isn't appropriate for Social Media.
-Kelby
http://peachypains.com -
Thanks for sharing this! It is very helpful!
For more on fashion and beauty, please check out my blog; MyFashAvenue.com
Follow me on Twitter and Pinterest: @MyFashAvenue
xo
Deanne -
Such a nice post! I often wonder if my lifestyle posts are slightly too personal but everyone seems to love them and gets inspired by them.
Thanks for the tips!
www.bohemianmuses.blogspot.com -
I agree with everything except the pinterest thing; I use it for work, and I don't have time to pace out my pinning or to think about how my 2000+ followers will feel about me pinning too much in a row! That strategy might be good for some people, but, honestly, I can't let what my followers think get in the way of my work. Right?! I do try to use private boards (now that they exist) when I first create one and go on a pinning spree, but after that, I don't know what else I could do! -
Such a nice little piece! I think sometimes some girls forget somethings are better left unsaid or tweeted. lol -
I agree. Keep things classy! :) I like to think of my website and blog as a journal but I don't think anyone wants to read about TOO much personal info. Well said :)
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I completely agree with and love this post! I think it's something that everyone should take into consideration when part of the online community. I see on my facebook and twitter way too often that girls and boys are taking "underlying" stabs at each other and too often people know what's going on in their personal lives. Good job Lauren for addressing it! :) -
Great post, Lauren! I think there are too many people these days that just share too much on social networking sites. There are just some things we don't need to know about! Plus, you never know who could see it! Inappropriate comments or photos could hurt you if your employer or a potential employer sees it!
Rachel
http://www.theredheadfashionista.com
http://www.thehautenotes.com -
I totally get what you're saying and agree with most of these. However, at the same time, just like people should be able to "like" and "follow" who they want, they should be able to say what they want. If someone tweets ten things in a row.. You don't have to follow them. If they want to be moronic or depressed - it is annoying, but you have the option to unfollow or friend and no one's making you stay! -
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That's really good that you are writing about this 'issue' :) Too many people use twitter and fb as a diary. There is nothing wrong with this however it can get really annoying(when you post everday,every second what are you doing where you are bblba) It can be even dangerous for you. Besides of that many people seem to forget that sometimes (e.g companies) look for some information about you. So when you put personal things on this social media you should be really really careful. By the way is it really really really true that once you have delete something on FB it will be there forever? Nice topic :) -
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This is a great reminder! And one that should be in the forefront of our minds prior to every post we make online!
www.pocketfulofperspective.tumblr.com -
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