Social Media Etiquette –
In previous modules, we defined Netiquette (Net Etiquette) as the appropriate practices and informal guidelines that govern online behaviours. We also described specific examples of good Netiquette for using communication tools such as Email and WhatsApp.
In this module, we highlight some of the established code of behavior for online social networking communities. Online communities, unlike typical real-world communities comprise great diversity with many persons from different religions, races and widely differing cultures and backgrounds. Within this diverse, online space we communicate with others, without the benefit of a face-to-face conversation, and unconscious cues such as the tone of their voice, their facial expression and their body language. It is extremely easy to misinterpret words on a page, Netiquette is intended to help us to think about how we communicate online and to make us aware of the effect our words could have on others reading them.
Here are some of the most common Do’s and Dont’s in Social Media Netiquette:
Thank, Acknowledge and Support People
People can’t see you nod, smile or frown as you read their messages. If they get no response, they may feel ignored and be discouraged from contributing further. Why not send a short reply to keep the conversation going? This can make a big difference in a small group setting. However, do bear in mind that in a large, busy forum too many messages like this could be a nuisance.
Acknowledge Before Disagreeing
Before you disagree with someone, try to summarise the other person’s point in your own words. Then they know you are trying to understand them and will be more likely to take your view seriously. Otherwise, you risk talking at each other rather than to each other. You should also recognise that other people are entitled to their point of view, even if you consider them to be entirely wrong.
Make Your Perspective Clear
Try to speak personally. That means avoiding statements like ‘This is the way it is …’ or ‘Itis a fact that …’. These sound dogmatic and leave no room for anyone else’s perspective. Why not start by saying ‘I think …’ or ‘I feel …’? If you are presenting someone else’sviews then say so, perhaps by using a quotation and acknowledgement.
Expressing Your Emotions
Emotions can be easily misunderstood when you can’t see faces or body language. People may not realise you are joking, and irony and satire are easily missed – all good reasons to think before you send a message. To compensate for these restrictions, early internet users came up with the idea of the smiley face – 🙂 or 🙁 – which then grew into a whole family of emoticons. AND DON’T WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS – IT WILL COME OVER AS SHOUTING!
Play By the Rules
Be respectful of group and community rules. Follow the terms of use of the social platform you are using.
Think Before You Post
If you are new to a forum or community, don’t feel you have to post or respond immediately. Take your time to see what is being discussed and get a feel for the group you’re joining. This very sensible behaviour has the unfortunate name of lurking but is quite acceptable online. If you want to post, many discussion groups have a forum devoted to new users where they canintroduce themselves to other readers. These are always good places to get started.
Add a Profile Picture
Everyone likes to “see” who they are talking to. It’s easy to do and having a picture on file personalizes you and does make you appear more authentic
Don’t be too quick to react
Read carefully before you write your response. Show patience, kindness and assume other persons with adverse comments may be naive or unaware, before you assume they are malicious. Revise your post once again before you hit the send button: are you writing a quality response? Don’t forget that quality is the most influential principle of Social Media, because it attracts friends, followers, and fans in the engagement it provides.
Social Media Etiquette for Business
In addition to the general Netiquette discussed, here are a few additional considerations for the online digital workplace:
- Separate your professional and personal social media presence: You should make sure to have separate accounts for personal and for business. You need to ensure that you keep any personal element out of your interactions on social media for business.
- Contribute something of value to others: Try to make the content that you’re sharing be educational, valuable, compelling, so that your readers feel inclined to share it with other people.
- Be timely: Not only should you respond to other people personally but you should also respond to them quickly
- Does it meet the Social Media Policy: Most organizations have official social media policies that you probably received when hired. Don’t assume you know what the policy says. Many employees have been fired for not following company social media regulations. Make sure you know and follow employer or client requirements
- Would my boss/client be happy to see it? You may not have “friended” your boss or client but a co-worker may have and your post is only a share or screen grab away. Even private accounts on social media are never fully private
