essay about social media etiquette

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Review Your Social Media Etiquette

Despite your best efforts, you may cause someone pain with that Tweet or Facebook post. Here’s a refresher on social media best practices, along with advice for some pandemic-only dilemmas.

By Courtney Rubin

In an ideal world, your followers would think every photo, video or thought you post on social media is like a little gift to them. In reality, it’s hard to predict how posts on Instagram, Facebook and other social media will land, especially during the pandemic. After so much loss and isolation over the past year, people are on edge. That vaccine selfie may feel joyous and hopeful to you, but it could be a digital slap in the face to someone who hasn’t received a vaccine shot or who has suffered a grave loss.

“Someone could be experiencing loss in such a way that there’s no way someone else won’t post something that compounds their grief,” said Catherine Newman, who has written the Modern Manners etiquette column for Real Simple magazine for 10 years. “That’s how grief is.”

Still, it’s hard not to overthink things — and to worry that despite your best efforts, you may cause someone pain. Some social media experts say you should review your sharing practices periodically, so here’s a refresher on social media etiquette, along with advice for some pandemic-only situations.

Ask why are you posting.

First, identify your motivations. Are you sharing that picture of the exquisite cake you baked because you want praise, or do you want people to feel bad that what they made themselves wasn’t as good? If it is to receive affirmation, that’s OK. But if you find yourself trying to get all your needs met by social media likes, it might be time to think about what else is missing in your life.

Second, focus on your friends. If you tried to consider every possible person who might be hurt by a post — your seemingly unobjectionable photo of tulips could very well remind a follower of someone they have lost — you might never post anything on social media. But absolutely think about your inner circle carefully.

Ms. Newman, for one, hasn’t posted about her own post-vaccination visits with family because so many in her immediate friend group have lost a parent in the past year. If you’re in a similar situation and you still want to post your vaccine selfie or the first time you’ve hugged your father in a year, consider acknowledging your own good fortune.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

The Importance of Social Media Etiquette

Social media has become an all-important aspect of modern business. In this day and age, if a company aspires to be successful, it needs to weave a social media strategy within their overall marketing efforts . Failure to take advantage of social media platforms could result in lost potential. It’s no wonder that 76% of businesses feel that Facebook and Instagram offer them the best chances of growth during 2017.

The power of social media can be aptly understood by the fact that the right social strategy can build or destroy a brand. In business, mistakes on social media platforms are costly and could put millions of dollars (and carefully earned reputations) at stake.

Once we appreciate social media’s relevance to modern business, we move on to the next phase which is how to use social media in a way to correctly promote our businesses. We’ve all come across brands on social media that present themselves either too robotic or sometimes even too personal. So what strikes that perfect balance and how can small businesses make the best use of social media to promote their brands, connect with new potential customers and create loyalty in existing ones?

Using social media in the right way is both an art and a science. And yes, there’s a right way of doing it, whilst keeping in mind your area of business and the persona of your customers.

Here are some of the traps that even the most seasoned social-savvy businesses have fallen victim to. You should try to avoid these mistakes at all costs.

It’s first imperative to understand how a social platform works…

When you are in the process of launching your business or brand on a social media network, you need to take the time to understand the culture and ethos that platform is known for, and whether it’s right for your business .

More often than not, these characteristics aren’t obvious – which can get a little frustrating. But most factors can be learnt and understood through some trial and error.

However, a campaign that gives the impression of being thoughtless is the last thing you would want for your customers. A sloppy social campaign could actually generate more negative publicity and interest than you would believe.

Burger King’s Whopper Sacrifice is the perfect example of a social media campaign that failed to understand the platform it was presenting itself on. Burger King asked customers to delete 10 friends from their Facebook lists to get a free hamburger coupon.

The company did not fully realise that Facebook’s main strength is connecting real friends. As a result, Facebook disabled the campaign after ten days .

Do you trust the skills of your social media team?

Companies can get into trouble when they fail to vet and monitor their social media strategies properly. The question is, do you trust the skills of the people on your social media team?

• Do they know what content strategy you follow ?
• Are they on the same page as you?
• Are they aligned with the real values of the company?

All these questions are very important and can help drive a powerful social media strategy.

Whilst hiring social media professionals, employers tend to focus on their previous record with different companies. It is obviously important to hire people who are known to have worked on important projects, however, it is equally important to understand the kind of results they have produced and the strategies they have followed previously.

For example, a social media employee of KitchenAid posted an insensitive tweet about President Obama’s deceased grandmother, which understandably generated a media furore – this a great example to show the vetting process needed in your social team.

DiGiorno, a frozen pizza company, got into a similar situation following its inappropriate use of the hashtag #WhyIStayed. The hashtag was created after Janay Palmer Rice decided to stay with NFL player Ray Rice after an incident of domestic violence. DiGiorno tried to join the conversation without really understanding the context of the hashtag.

Although the mistake was caught within minutes and an apology statement was issued by the company, these mistakes can dilute years’ worth of hard work that goes into building a brand image.

Being culturally insensitive and simple-minded about your posts

A company might have good intentions for its customers, but if it comes across as culturally insensitive, that’s a big no-no for brands. It could bring in a torrent of negative criticism for your business, in turn denting a company’s carefully crafted social reputation. While engagement is key, organisations must fully understand social etiquette and review all posts several times before they are pushed live.

One such example is Global Village Duluth’s ill-conceived celebration of the Martin Luther King Day. To commemorate the occasion, the store gave 25% off on all black products in the store. Now that’s a risky campaign!

Their customers were not just unhappy about the position that Duluth had taken but outrightly blamed the department store of being blatantly culturally insensitive. Some customers even went so far to say that they will never buy from the store again!

When your marketing is in bad taste

Epicurious is a popular food website. On the morning of the Boston bombings, they suggested healthy breakfast options to Boston denizens, which were insensitive, even foolish, to say the least, in view of the grave situation in the city.

In view of a tragedy, especially one within the country, a brand should stay quiet and let it pass if it has nothing inspiring to offer. At a time when a country is mourning a loss, a tragedy cannot and should not be used as a blatant opportunity for promotional social posts.

Instead, if the company had ventured to offer food to the victims and their families, without overtly seeking the spotlight, the conclusion might have been much better.

Epicurious was criticised and condemned by many of their customers and online social followers.

In conclusion:

The above points are simple, and pretty commonsensical too, but even big brands can fail to understand the real damage that their carelessly thought of campaigns could damage reputations of their businesses.

As professionals, before we create a social media plan, we need to have a clear understanding of our customers. In addition, businesses must understand the national and international environment in which they operate, as well as the industry to which they belong.

Above all and most importantly, a business must not undermine the goodwill of its customers and must understand that its very existence depends on customer loyalty. It is from here where their real value flows from. Thelma Etim , a journalist who writes for the BBC website, Air Cargo Eye and Huffington Post perfectly sums up this behaviour when she said: “Listening gives you the platform to relate and respect”.

It is important to work towards more profitability – that’s what businesses are all about. However, at the same time it is also equally important to connect with customers on a human level, and every now and again, step into their shoes. This is how cultural sensitivity, empathy and connectivity will all find a place in your brand.

Matt Janaway

Based in Nottingham, UK, Matt Janaway is the CEO of Marketing Labs and a successful digital Entrepreneur specialising in eCommerce growth and sophisticated link-building strategies. He started his career journey during the mid-2000’s internet retailing boom by developing 10+ eCommerce stores which enjoyed great success using a successful and evolving SEO formula.

“All Eyes on Rafah” AI Image Goes Viral on Social Media As of Wednesday, 5/29, around 45 million users on Instagram have shared an AI image featuri…

WNBA Charter Flights, Periodical Cicadas, and the Oklahoma Tornado

Tiktok plans to sue over wrongful ban in the us, subscribe to the skinny.

Leveraging Software Solutions for Enhanced Data Analysis in Competitive Markets

Mentorship’s critical role in advanced healthcare education, utilizing dei practices to create a more inclusive learning space, is telehealth successfully benefiting health in rural communities, open source vs. proprietary database services: pros and cons, “all eyes on rafah” ai image, dollar tree expansion, moana 2 trailer, leveraging social media analytics for valuable customer insights, will answer engines kill google.

• Retail Enhance customer engagement
• Consumer Packaged Goods Connect directly with consumers
• Media & Entertainment Create interactive experiences
• Tech Software & Hardware Improve product education
• Hospitality Streamline guest services
• Healthcare Simplify patient communication
• Insurance Enhance claims management
• Developers API documentation and resources
• Apps and Integrations Connect Bitly with existing tools and discover new ones
• Blog Tips, best practices and more
• Resource Library Ebooks and webinars
• Support FAQs and help articles
• Trust Center Policies, resources and tools to keep you safe
• Sign up Free
• Get a Quote
• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Customer Service
• Latest Articles

Aug. 31, 2023

9 Rules of Social Media Etiquette You Should Follow

Social media is no longer just a playground for personal connections—it’s also a critical space for professional interactions. But the line between successful online engagement and a digital faux pas is often drawn by something quite simple: etiquette. 

This isn’t about adhering to a rigid set of outdated rules—it’s about understanding the norms that guide online behavior. Whether you’re connecting with friends or working in social media marketing, these nine universal social media rules will help you navigate the digital landscape with ease. 

In this article:

1. Be respectful 2. Mind the frequency of your posts 3. Avoid oversharing personal information 4. Shorten your links before sharing them 5. Focus on constructive and positive interactions 6. Refrain from engaging with instigators 7. Respect each platform’s norms 8. Tag and use hashtags wisely 9. Be selective in your posts and prioritize meaningful content

1. Be respectful

Let’s start with the golden rule of any interaction, whether online or offline: respect. In the rapid-fire world of social media, where opinions clash and keyboards can sizzle, maintaining respect might seem challenging. But it’s worth the effort.

Being disrespectful on social media is like shouting in a crowded room—it’s not only rude, but often counterproductive. It can lead to misunderstandings, heated arguments, and damaged relationships. 

Whether you’re a brand trying to reach out to potential customers or an individual connecting with friends, a disrespectful tone can tarnish your image and undermine your goals.

On the flip side, being respectful opens doors. It builds trust, fosters positive engagement, and encourages meaningful connections. When you approach social media with courtesy and consideration, you’re laying the groundwork for fruitful interactions. 

Just as you would hold the door for someone in person, leaving space for differing opinions and being gracious in your online conversations can make all the difference.

2. Mind the frequency of your posts

We all have that friend or influencer who floods our feed with posts, turning a delightful stream of content into a never-ending deluge. 

Posting too much on social media is a bit like talking non-stop in a conversation. It drowns out others and can lead to annoyance or even the dreaded “unfollow.” Finding a balance in your posting frequency ensures that your audience stays engaged—without feeling overwhelmed.

Best practices for posting frequency vary depending on the platform and your audience’s preferences. Some might appreciate daily updates, while others might prefer a more curated selection a few times a week. 

Tools like Bitly’s Link Management can help you share your content smartly and effectively, letting you measure and connect with your audience in the most meaningful way. Think of it as knowing when to chime in with just the right anecdote at a dinner party—not too often, not too scarce, but always on point.

3. Avoid oversharing personal information

Social media offers an inviting space to share our lives, but there’s a fine line between sharing and oversharing. Like that relative who insists on telling everyone about their entire medical history at family gatherings, deeply personal information usually doesn’t belong on social platforms. 

Oversharing on your social media accounts can lead to uncomfortable situations for your followers, and it might even expose you to risks like identity theft or targeted scams.

The key is to strike a balance between openness and privacy. Share what enhances connection and understanding, but leave out the details that might be too personal or sensitive. Consider your audience and context, and remember, some stories are best saved for close friends or a personal journal—not the unforgiving landscape of social media.

4. Shorten your links before sharing them

Long links on social media are like those winding, endless stories that seem to go on forever. They take up too much space and can quickly derail an otherwise engaging post. 

Lengthy URLs not only make your posts look cluttered but can also lead to mistrust. If a link is too cumbersome or looks suspicious, social media users may hesitate to click on it, leading to missed opportunities for engagement or sales.

Shortening your links, on the other hand, offers a cleaner and more appealing visual presentation. It allows you to keep your message concise and ensures that the focus remains on your content. 

Short links are also easier to track, providing valuable insights into user behavior and interaction. Whether you’re promoting a product or sharing a fascinating article, a short link makes the connection more seamless and inviting.

The best way to get started with link shortening is with Bitly. Using Bitly’s link shortener and management tools, you can transform your links into compact, effective, and trustworthy bridges to your content. 

Why settle for a jumbled mess when you can have elegance? Give Bitly’s Link Management a try and let your links shine with simplicity and style! 

Boost your marketing game with Bitly!

Get started with custom short links, QR Codes, and Bitly Link-in-bios.

5. Focus on constructive and positive interactions

In the vast universe of social networks, it’s easy to stumble into negativity or get tangled in toxic debates. But choosing the path of constructive and positive interactions can set you apart and elevate your online experience. 

Engaging positively encourages open dialogue, fosters community, and often leads to more meaningful connections. It reflects well on your personal or brand image, creating an environment where others feel welcome to join the conversation without fear of hostility.

Being constructive doesn’t mean avoiding all disagreement—rather, it’s about how you approach differing opinions. A respectful, thoughtful response can turn a potential conflict into an opportunity for growth and learning. 

Whether you’re interacting with customers or friends, focusing on the positive aspects can enhance your reputation and make your digital space a more inviting place to be. It’s a win-win approach that nourishes relationships, allowing the true essence of connection to shine through.

6. Refrain from engaging with instigators

We’ve all seen them lurking in the comment sections with snide remarks and inflammatory statements—the infamous trolls. Engaging with instigators on social media is a lot like playing a game you can’t win. It’s counterproductive and only fuels the fire of negativity. 

Responding to a troll’s provocations rarely leads to a productive conversation and can spiral into a draining and disruptive experience. By choosing to ignore or block these instigators, you maintain the integrity and positivity of your online space, ensuring that your energy is spent on connections that truly matter. 

Think of it as sidestepping a puddle on a rainy day—it keeps your journey clean and focused.

7. Respect each platform’s norms

Social media channels are like different countries, each with its own culture, language, and etiquette. What flies in one might not be well-received in another. 

Recognizing and adapting to the unique norms of each platform ensures you’re communicating effectively and respectfully. Let’s take a quick tour of some popular social media landscapes and their specific customs.

On Facebook, it’s all about community and connections. Sharing personal stories and photos, as well as engaging in friendly discussions are the norm. Think of your brand’s Facebook page as a virtual backyard barbecue where friends and family gather. Asking for likes or shares is generally acceptable, but maintaining a friendly, conversational tone is key.

LinkedIn is the boardroom of social media. It’s a professional networking site where formal language, industry insights, and career achievements are the standard. 

So use LinkedIn to connect with colleagues, share your professional milestones, and engage in industry-specific discussions. Here, a tailored suit is more appropriate than casual wear.

X (formerly Twitter)

X, formerly known as Twitter , is like a bustling city square where rapid-fire conversations take place. The rules of thumb here include concise thoughts, real-time updates, and engaging with trending topics. 

Using hashtags and mentioning others is common, but remember, brevity and relevance are your allies on this platform.

Instagram is the art gallery of social media. High-quality images, compelling visuals, and creative storytelling are expected. Whether you’re a brand or an individual, focusing on aesthetics and visual appeal helps you stand out. And don’t forget to utilize hashtags and geotags to reach a broader audience.

Threads offers an intimate, text-based conversational space distinct from platforms like Instagram. This app prioritizes close connections, emphasizing text exchanges with friends. Posts disappear after 24 hours , fostering a pressure-free sharing environment. 

Though it’s still evolving, Threads holds promise as a preferred platform for personal and close-knit social media encounters. Authenticity is encouraged, so Threads is your canvas to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences genuinely. 

8. Tag and use hashtags wisely

Tagging and using hashtags are like the spices of social media platforms—they can add flavor and help your content reach your target audience , but too much can overwhelm the dish. 

When tagging, think of relevance and context. Tagging people or brands directly related to your content encourages engagement and broadens reach, but over-tagging can look spammy and insincere. 

For hashtags, it’s all about being specific yet broad enough to capture interest. Utilizing popular, relevant hashtags can boost visibility and enhance your social media strategy , but using too many or overly generic ones can dilute your message. 

The art is in finding that sweet spot where your tags and hashtags serve as bridges to the right audience—without turning into noisy distractions.

9. Be selective in your posts and prioritize meaningful content

In a world where social media feeds are flooded with content, being selective and prioritizing meaningful posts is akin to being the wise sage in a bustling market. Quality trumps quantity, and a well-thought-out, relevant post can resonate more deeply with your audience than a barrage of random, disconnected content. 

Think of your posts as chapters in a book. Each one should contribute to the overall narrative, whether it’s a marketing strategy or a personal journey. Posting anything and everything can lead to a disjointed feed and a surplus of notifications, making it harder for followers to connect with you. 

Choosing content that aligns with your purpose and values allows for a more coherent and engaging social media presence, turning casual scrollers into devoted readers.

Shorten your links seamlessly with Bitly

Navigating social media with grace is all about understanding the rules, respecting your audience, and delivering meaningful content. Whether it’s choosing the right tone for LinkedIn or finding the perfect hashtag for Instagram, each detail matters. 

And when it comes to links, why let them sprawl when Bitly can make them sleek? Start engaging more effectively and authentically with your audience. Let the Bitly Connections Platform help you build those bridges with ease. 

Ready to take your links to the next level? Get started with Bitly today and embark on a journey toward cleaner, more impactful connections.

About Bitly

Bitly is a leading global SaaS company offering a comprehensive platform designed to enable every piece of information shared online to connect with key audiences and ignite action.

Learn more about Bitly

Sign up for our newsletter

Get our most popular content sent straight to your inbox from the team behind the scenes.

• Products Publishing to social media, blogs, and messengers Analytics A social media advanced analytics tool for getting helpful information and adjusting your strategy Builder to create multiple links and micro landing pages
• EN DE EN ES FR IT PT RU
• Scheduled posting
• Social media scheduler
• Multiple account management
• Bulk Scheduling Tool
• Cross-posting
• For social media
• For customer services
• For Agencies
• For small businesses
• For enterprises

Social Media Etiquette for Businesses in 2024

Content manager

Onlypult blog author and editor. 10 year experienced professional copywriter, is interested in social media and e-mail marketing.

What Is Social Media Etiquette (Netiquette)?

Why is social media etiquette important for businesses, 1. understand the current issues, 2. don’t overuse automation, 3. respond quickly, 4. be respectful towards competition, 5. beware of too many hashtags, 6. avoid oversharing, 7. be proactive, not reactive, 8. know who to follow, 9. give credit where credit’s due, 10. consider the tone, 11. use safe humor, 12. know the specifics of each platform, 13. check grammar and spelling before posting, 14. keep your feed tidy, 15. don’t be needy, facebook etiquette, instagram etiquette, twitter etiquette.

• What Is the Golden Rule of Netiquette?
• What Should Businesses Not Do on Social Media?
• What to Avoid Posting on Social Media

As a business on social media, you need to think carefully before you hit publish. These days, it’s inexcusable to allow bad manners, poor behavior, and forgotten etiquette. All the issues become amplified when you take into account the wide global reach of social media.

This article will pinpoint the exact rules that any modern business with an online presence must follow. We’ll give actionable recommendations as well as explain the do’s and dont’s for major platforms.

Just like etiquette is a customary code of polite behavior in society, netiquette is a code aimed to maintain manners on the Internet. The netiquette definition covers all facets of the online world, including email, messengers, social media, multiplayer gaming, and other types of online communication.

The general idea behind netiquette rules is to respect others online. For example, you shouldn’t share personal information, photos, or videos that another person wouldn’t want to be published. You should also thank others for helping you.

Social media etiquette is a subset of netiquette that aims to preserve the reputation of companies and individuals on social media. The demands of social media etiquette differ from one platform to the next, which is why you should also abide by platform-specific guidelines.

There are unspoken social media rules that technically aren’t mandatory. But for businesses, whether you follow these rules could mean the difference between profit and loss. If you want your social media marketing efforts to pay off, etiquette shouldn’t be overlooked.

Why is it important to understand the rules of engagement in social media? Here are a few reasons:

• Prevents reputational damage – Your audience will see your brand as a respectable, professional business that knows how to handle social media.
• Gives your staff clear guidelines – Your team will be informed on what conduct is expected from them online: for posting content, interacting with users, or defending your organization.
• Attracts followers and brand advocates – People are more likely to follow and support a company with a carefully crafted social reputation.
• Protects against legal and security issues – Rules of netiquette aren’t only about being polite. They also help businesses stay compliant with privacy and copyright laws.

There have been several cases of social media fails following Hurricane Sandy. Most notably, Urban Outfitters and Sears took serious criticism for sending insensitive tweets and trying to capitalize on the wake of destruction.

Both brands had to delete the tweets and issue an apology. Interestingly, Urban Outfitters’ stock price dropped from $28 to $13 in a matter of months, which might have been prompted by the controversial tweet.

As you can see, even big brands can fail to understand how their careless campaigns could damage their businesses. UO and Sears eventually managed to rebuild their reputations, but neglecting netiquette guidelines so outrageously can cost smaller businesses everything.

With Onlypult, save time you spend on SMM tasks — posting to all social media, analytics, multiple links, micro landing pages, web monitoring. All in one place.

15 Basic Rules of Social Media Etiquette for Businesses

Now that we’re on the same page about the importance of social media etiquette for businesses, let’s make our way to practical recommendations. These are easy to apply and require no investments. The points below are social media etiquette tips that work for every industry and on every social platform.

Keep tabs on what’s happening in the world and sensitively express your opinions. In other words, read the room. If you say the right things at the right time, it will have a positive impact on customer sentiment.

Many brands have commented on the Black Lives Matter movement. For example, Marc Jacobs showed their support through an Instagram post. But even for any other business, whether they support the movement or not, posting content that is irrelevant to current events would read as insensitive and drive customers away.

Too much of anything is usually not the best idea, but using automation as your only tactic of posting can quickly lead to overuse. At times, planned posts are a great way to save time and optimize your posting schedule. However, you should also be spontaneous, add photos and commentary to social media on-the-fly, to stay relevant.

53% of survey respondents expect a response from a brand within an hour for regular questions. For complaints, however, the number jumps to 72%. So, make sure to have a team member responsible for reacting to both positive and negative feedback. Otherwise, the situation can quickly get out of control.

Best Buy Customer Support did a great job of responding within half an hour to a potential customer on Twitter. They quickly sent an encouraging tweet and, as a result, the communication resulted in a real-life purchase.

Bantering with other brands seems to be a popular practice these days, but it can leave the wrong impression. For many people, trashing others is not a sign of honorable behavior. Instead, show that you respect other companies within your industry. Taking the high road will win you more fans, more likes, and more business.

Two companies – Disney and Pixar – had this fun interaction on Twitter. Both promoted animation films that each studio produced, but it still led to a heart-warming conversation with no hint of rivalry.

The tasteful use of hashtags is a useful tool for attracting potential customers to your page. But if there are more hashtags than actual text, they bring no value and only make you seem desperate. Also, avoid spamming popular hashtags, like #love, #happy, and #dog. Hashtags that are specific to your audience and have an engaged community behind them are the way to go.

On February 14, Domino’s posted a photo with a concise description and only one hashtag. They could’ve flooded the post with multiple seemingly relevant hashtags for better reach. But instead, they made a much better decision to keep it simple and shareable.

It’s easy to post on social instantaneously, without giving it much thought. However, is this really necessary? Make sure new content adds to your narrative and meets your business objectives. Your customers don’t need to know everything about your brand – sometimes, less is more.

Spot the problems as they are forming. But even if you notice that the situation is becoming aggravated, never get involved in a social media spat. Communicate with online users in the same manner that you would if they came to your store.

You might’ve seen examples where brands were almost annoyed at a customer sharing a complaint. At the very least, some of them aren’t helpful. This isn’t the case with Zappos. Despite the user not being welcoming to their offers, they didn’t snap back.

Your follower list also represents your brand. Just like you don’t want to be posting and reposting mindlessly, you don’t want to dilute your brand with thousands of followers. You shouldn’t only focus on the number – who and what those accounts are also matters. These give your brand context and set the general tone.

Coca-Cola’s ‘following’ list on Instagram is filled with great initiatives like food banks and non-profit companies. This conveys the message that the corporation isn’t only after monetary profits but is also interested in helping global communities.

Before reposting content from other accounts, ask for their permission to share and be ready to take no for an answer. To give credit, you can simply add the owner’s username in the caption to show that the image belongs to someone else.

Starbucks has a regular practice of reposting user content. When doing so, they always tag the original creator of the photo. It sets a bad tone to repost images without acknowledgment, and the Starbucks social media team never breaks this rule.

Your brand personality can be described in an adjective. Make sure it’s not bragging, complaining, retorting, or venting. Instead, go for lively, positive, or professional. If you’re often making snarky comments, it will drive people off.

Using humor is great, but you should be mindful not to insult your audience or sound offensive. Also, you can incorporate pop culture phrases but not without fully understanding their meaning. There have already been some mishaps with “Netflix and chill” and phrases like that.

Innocent Drinks is a good example of how to use humor on social media. Their jokes are ridiculous but not too edgy. Not all types of humor translate well in written form and for a large audience, but this one is pretty safe and family-friendly.

Not all content needs to be shared everywhere. For example, if you compare Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts, you’ll notice that brands post entirely different things on each platform. It’ll be clear if you recycle Twitter content on Facebook. But it’s not necessarily a drawback – you can maximize the opportunities of each medium in unique ways.

You can get away with the odd mistake here and there. But if you keep making silly grammar errors, you might soon see your follower numbers fall through the floor. At the very least, you’ll be known as an unprofessional account. Brands publish tons of content every day, and only those that are highly polished and well-structured will stand out.

Spare your followers a flashy, mismatched feed unless it’s your brand aesthetic, and you’re making this decision deliberately. Once again, it’s not a requirement, but a coherent feed will attract more followers.

BMW maintains a color story and organizes the highlights. Even these two simple things make the account aesthetically pleasing. Interestingly, images vaguely even feature the same color as the logo. As for companies with lower funds that don’t match what BMW has, they can also arrange a neatly looking feed effortlessly.

Never beg for likes, comments, and other types of engagement. Not only does it not work, but it also annoys the audience and puts the account on the platform’s blacklist. Facebook even began clamping down on “engagement bait” across its social network. If the content doesn’t get enough engagement, it means that you should be directing your effort toward improving it rather than making your audience do the work.

The casual community of Facebook makes engagement with others feel natural. However, the audience here tends to get heavily into politics. The Facebook etiquette dictates that you should always show respect, especially when discussing or posting about politics. Acknowledge tragedies with a simple, empathic message without injecting any promotion and never “like” bad news.

Also, a common mistake is to cross-post between Facebook and other social platforms. These days, it’s considered bad taste, so turn off automatic posting.

Instagram is the perfect place to share something visual, which is why most etiquette rules cover photo content. Take high-quality photos and edit them outside of the app – posting grainy, blurry, and overall unprofessional pictures won’t pass according to the Instagram etiquette.

Location tag other businesses to show courtesy as well as other accounts you feature on your page. Never include direct links since they aren’t clickable on Instagram, and you’ll just annoy your followers. Lastly, help more than you sell – 80% to inform, educate, and entertain, 20% to promote – otherwise, it’d be simply rude.

Twitter handles rapid-fire conversation, making it a useful platform to easily insert your business into the current topics. According to the Internet comment etiquette on Twitter, you should actually engage in discussions and post valuable content – not just inspirational quotes.

Be wary of who you respond to and how. Unlike Instagram comments and likes which get lost, Twitter shows everything. If you’re contemplating posting a sassy response, remember that it’s visible right on your profile page. Also, remember what someone sends you via a direct message isn’t for public consumption, and with Twitter etiquette, there’s implied confidentiality.

Onlypult posts to all social media platforms, provides analytics data, builds teamwork and saves you time.

The main idea behind the Golden Rule of netiquette is something that everyone was taught as a child: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’s easy to get impersonal and rude behind a computer screen, so this rule reminds users that people deserve respectful treatment online.

Proper netiquette was first suggested back in 1994 in a book by Virginia Shea and maintained its relevance to this day.

In addition to all the points we made above, we can advise against several other practices that could ruin your online reputation. You should not:

• Make sexual references
• Ignore comments
• Spam your fans and followers
• Self-promote all the time

Any account, but especially business ones with a following and influence, shouldn’t post the following:

• Misleading information
• Confrontational comments
• Insufficient information
• Content that is not proofread
• Inconsistent branding message
• Irrelevant content

All these rules are intuitive yet crucial if you want to grow your community and use your social media presence to form relationships.

Related posts:

Popular posts

• Best Time to Post on Instagram in 2024
• Colour Scheme
• Who might be blocked on Instagram: 5 reasons and ways to protect yourself

Latest articles

• Can you post nudes on Instagram in 2024? - The Full Guide
• 8 Best Hootsuite Alternatives In 2024
• 5 LinkedIn Networking Strategies for Business Experts

Feb 15, 2023

6 Example Essays on Social Media | Advantages, Effects, and Outlines

Got an essay assignment about the effects of social media we got you covered check out our examples and outlines below.

Social media has become one of our society's most prominent ways of communication and information sharing in a very short time. It has changed how we communicate and has given us a platform to express our views and opinions and connect with others. It keeps us informed about the world around us. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have brought individuals from all over the world together, breaking down geographical borders and fostering a genuinely global community.

However, social media comes with its difficulties. With the rise of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy problems, it's critical to utilize these platforms properly and be aware of the risks. Students in the academic world are frequently assigned essays about the impact of social media on numerous elements of our lives, such as relationships, politics, and culture. These essays necessitate a thorough comprehension of the subject matter, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize and convey information clearly and succinctly.

But where do you begin? It can be challenging to know where to start with so much information available. Jenni.ai comes in handy here. Jenni.ai is an AI application built exclusively for students to help them write essays more quickly and easily. Jenni.ai provides students with inspiration and assistance on how to approach their essays with its enormous database of sample essays on a variety of themes, including social media. Jenni.ai is the solution you've been looking for if you're experiencing writer's block or need assistance getting started.

So, whether you're a student looking to better your essay writing skills or want to remain up to date on the latest social media advancements, Jenni.ai is here to help. Jenni.ai is the ideal tool for helping you write your finest essay ever, thanks to its simple design, an extensive database of example essays, and cutting-edge AI technology. So, why delay? Sign up for a free trial of Jenni.ai today and begin exploring the worlds of social networking and essay writing!

Want to learn how to write an argumentative essay? Check out these inspiring examples!

We will provide various examples of social media essays so you may get a feel for the genre.

6 Examples of Social Media Essays

Here are 6 examples of Social Media Essays:

The Impact of Social Media on Relationships and Communication

Introduction:.

The way we share information and build relationships has evolved as a direct result of the prevalence of social media in our daily lives. The influence of social media on interpersonal connections and conversation is a hot topic. Although social media has many positive effects, such as bringing people together regardless of physical proximity and making communication quicker and more accessible, it also has a dark side that can affect interpersonal connections and dialogue.

Positive Effects:

Connecting People Across Distances

One of social media's most significant benefits is its ability to connect individuals across long distances. People can use social media platforms to interact and stay in touch with friends and family far away. People can now maintain intimate relationships with those they care about, even when physically separated.

Improved Communication Speed and Efficiency

Additionally, the proliferation of social media sites has accelerated and simplified communication. Thanks to instant messaging, users can have short, timely conversations rather than lengthy ones via email. Furthermore, social media facilitates group communication, such as with classmates or employees, by providing a unified forum for such activities.

Negative Effects:

Decreased Face-to-Face Communication

The decline in in-person interaction is one of social media's most pernicious consequences on interpersonal connections and dialogue. People's reliance on digital communication over in-person contact has increased along with the popularity of social media. Face-to-face interaction has suffered as a result, which has adverse effects on interpersonal relationships and the development of social skills.

Decreased Emotional Intimacy

Another adverse effect of social media on relationships and communication is decreased emotional intimacy. Digital communication lacks the nonverbal cues and facial expressions critical in building emotional connections with others. This can make it more difficult for people to develop close and meaningful relationships, leading to increased loneliness and isolation.

Increased Conflict and Miscommunication

Finally, social media can also lead to increased conflict and miscommunication. The anonymity and distance provided by digital communication can lead to misunderstandings and hurtful comments that might not have been made face-to-face. Additionally, social media can provide a platform for cyberbullying , which can have severe consequences for the victim's mental health and well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the impact of social media on relationships and communication is a complex issue with both positive and negative effects. While social media platforms offer many benefits, such as connecting people across distances and enabling faster and more accessible communication, they also have a dark side that can negatively affect relationships and communication. It is up to individuals to use social media responsibly and to prioritize in-person communication in their relationships and interactions with others.

The Role of Social Media in the Spread of Misinformation and Fake News

Social media has revolutionized the way information is shared and disseminated. However, the ease and speed at which data can be spread on social media also make it a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and fake news. Misinformation and fake news can seriously affect public opinion, influence political decisions, and even cause harm to individuals and communities.

The Pervasiveness of Misinformation and Fake News on Social Media

Misinformation and fake news are prevalent on social media platforms, where they can spread quickly and reach a large audience. This is partly due to the way social media algorithms work, which prioritizes content likely to generate engagement, such as sensational or controversial stories. As a result, false information can spread rapidly and be widely shared before it is fact-checked or debunked.

The Influence of Social Media on Public Opinion

Social media can significantly impact public opinion, as people are likelier to believe the information they see shared by their friends and followers. This can lead to a self-reinforcing cycle, where misinformation and fake news are spread and reinforced, even in the face of evidence to the contrary.

The Challenge of Correcting Misinformation and Fake News

Correcting misinformation and fake news on social media can be a challenging task. This is partly due to the speed at which false information can spread and the difficulty of reaching the same audience exposed to the wrong information in the first place. Additionally, some individuals may be resistant to accepting correction, primarily if the incorrect information supports their beliefs or biases.

In conclusion, the function of social media in disseminating misinformation and fake news is complex and urgent. While social media has revolutionized the sharing of information, it has also made it simpler for false information to propagate and be widely believed. Individuals must be accountable for the information they share and consume, and social media firms must take measures to prevent the spread of disinformation and fake news on their platforms.

The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health and Well-Being

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of people around the world using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected with others and access information. However, while social media has many benefits, it can also negatively affect mental health and well-being.

Comparison and Low Self-Esteem

One of the key ways that social media can affect mental health is by promoting feelings of comparison and low self-esteem. People often present a curated version of their lives on social media, highlighting their successes and hiding their struggles. This can lead others to compare themselves unfavorably, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Another way that social media can negatively impact mental health is through cyberbullying and online harassment. Social media provides a platform for anonymous individuals to harass and abuse others, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression.

Social Isolation

Despite its name, social media can also contribute to feelings of isolation. At the same time, people may have many online friends but need more meaningful in-person connections and support. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Addiction and Overuse

Finally, social media can be addictive, leading to overuse and negatively impacting mental health and well-being. People may spend hours each day scrolling through their feeds, neglecting other important areas of their lives, such as work, family, and self-care.

In sum, social media has positive and negative consequences on one's psychological and emotional well-being. Realizing this, and taking measures like reducing one's social media use, reaching out to loved ones for help, and prioritizing one's well-being, are crucial. In addition, it's vital that social media giants take ownership of their platforms and actively encourage excellent mental health and well-being.

The Use of Social Media in Political Activism and Social Movements

Social media has recently become increasingly crucial in political action and social movements. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have given people new ways to express themselves, organize protests, and raise awareness about social and political issues.

Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Action

One of the most important uses of social media in political activity and social movements has been to raise awareness about important issues and mobilize action. Hashtags such as #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, for example, have brought attention to sexual harassment and racial injustice, respectively. Similarly, social media has been used to organize protests and other political actions, allowing people to band together and express themselves on a bigger scale.

Connecting with like-minded individuals

A second method in that social media has been utilized in political activity and social movements is to unite like-minded individuals. Through social media, individuals can join online groups, share knowledge and resources, and work with others to accomplish shared objectives. This has been especially significant for geographically scattered individuals or those without access to traditional means of political organizing.

Challenges and Limitations

As a vehicle for political action and social movements, social media has faced many obstacles and restrictions despite its many advantages. For instance, the propagation of misinformation and fake news on social media can impede attempts to disseminate accurate and reliable information. In addition, social media corporations have been condemned for censorship and insufficient protection of user rights.

In conclusion, social media has emerged as a potent instrument for political activism and social movements, giving voice to previously unheard communities and galvanizing support for change. Social media presents many opportunities for communication and collaboration. Still, users and institutions must be conscious of the risks and limitations of these tools to promote their responsible and productive usage.

The Potential Privacy Concerns Raised by Social Media Use and Data Collection Practices

With billions of users each day on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, social media has ingrained itself into every aspect of our lives. While these platforms offer a straightforward method to communicate with others and exchange information, they also raise significant concerns over data collecting and privacy. This article will examine the possible privacy issues posed by social media use and data-gathering techniques.

Data Collection and Sharing

The gathering and sharing of personal data are significant privacy issues brought up by social media use. Social networking sites gather user data, including details about their relationships, hobbies, and routines. This information is made available to third-party businesses for various uses, such as marketing and advertising. This can lead to serious concerns about who has access to and uses our personal information.

Lack of Control Over Personal Information

The absence of user control over personal information is a significant privacy issue brought up by social media usage. Social media makes it challenging to limit who has access to and how data is utilized once it has been posted. Sensitive information may end up being extensively disseminated and may be used maliciously as a result.

Personalized Marketing

Social media companies utilize the information they gather about users to target them with adverts relevant to their interests and usage patterns. Although this could be useful, it might also cause consumers to worry about their privacy since they might feel that their personal information is being used without their permission. Furthermore, there are issues with the integrity of the data being used to target users and the possibility of prejudice based on individual traits.

Government Surveillance

Using social media might spark worries about government surveillance. There are significant concerns regarding privacy and free expression when governments in some nations utilize social media platforms to follow and monitor residents.

In conclusion, social media use raises significant concerns regarding data collecting and privacy. While these platforms make it easy to interact with people and exchange information, they also gather a lot of personal information, which raises questions about who may access it and how it will be used. Users should be aware of these privacy issues and take precautions to safeguard their personal information, such as exercising caution when choosing what details to disclose on social media and keeping their information sharing with other firms to a minimum.

The Ethical and Privacy Concerns Surrounding Social Media Use And Data Collection

Our use of social media to communicate with loved ones, acquire information, and even conduct business has become a crucial part of our everyday lives. The extensive use of social media does, however, raise some ethical and privacy issues that must be resolved. The influence of social media use and data collecting on user rights, the accountability of social media businesses, and the need for improved regulation are all topics that will be covered in this article.

Effect on Individual Privacy:

Social networking sites gather tons of personal data from their users, including delicate information like search history, location data, and even health data. Each user's detailed profile may be created with this data and sold to advertising or used for other reasons. Concerns regarding the privacy of personal information might arise because social media businesses can use this data to target users with customized adverts.

Additionally, individuals might need to know how much their personal information is being gathered and exploited. Data breaches or the unauthorized sharing of personal information with other parties may result in instances where sensitive information is exposed. Users should be aware of the privacy rules of social media firms and take precautions to secure their data.

Responsibility of Social Media Companies:

Social media firms should ensure that they responsibly and ethically gather and use user information. This entails establishing strong security measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensuring users are informed of what information is being collected and how it is used.

Many social media businesses, nevertheless, have come under fire for not upholding these obligations. For instance, the Cambridge Analytica incident highlighted how Facebook users' personal information was exploited for political objectives without their knowledge. This demonstrates the necessity of social media corporations being held responsible for their deeds and ensuring that they are safeguarding the security and privacy of their users.

Better Regulation Is Needed

There is a need for tighter regulation in this field, given the effect, social media has on individual privacy as well as the obligations of social media firms. The creation of laws and regulations that ensure social media companies are gathering and using user information ethically and responsibly, as well as making sure users are aware of their rights and have the ability to control the information that is being collected about them, are all part of this.

Additionally, legislation should ensure that social media businesses are held responsible for their behavior, for example, by levying fines for data breaches or the unauthorized use of personal data. This will provide social media businesses with a significant incentive to prioritize their users' privacy and security and ensure they are upholding their obligations.

In conclusion, social media has fundamentally changed how we engage and communicate with one another, but this increased convenience also raises several ethical and privacy issues. Essential concerns that need to be addressed include the effect of social media on individual privacy, the accountability of social media businesses, and the requirement for greater regulation to safeguard user rights. We can make everyone's online experience safer and more secure by looking more closely at these issues.

In conclusion, social media is a complex and multifaceted topic that has recently captured the world's attention. With its ever-growing influence on our lives, it's no surprise that it has become a popular subject for students to explore in their writing. Whether you are writing an argumentative essay on the impact of social media on privacy, a persuasive essay on the role of social media in politics, or a descriptive essay on the changes social media has brought to the way we communicate, there are countless angles to approach this subject.

However, writing a comprehensive and well-researched essay on social media can be daunting. It requires a thorough understanding of the topic and the ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely. This is where Jenni.ai comes in. Our AI-powered tool is designed to help students like you save time and energy and focus on what truly matters - your education. With Jenni.ai , you'll have access to a wealth of examples and receive personalized writing suggestions and feedback.

Whether you're a student who's just starting your writing journey or looking to perfect your craft, Jenni.ai has everything you need to succeed. Our tool provides you with the necessary resources to write with confidence and clarity, no matter your experience level. You'll be able to experiment with different styles, explore new ideas , and refine your writing skills.

So why waste your time and energy struggling to write an essay on your own when you can have Jenni.ai by your side? Sign up for our free trial today and experience the difference for yourself! With Jenni.ai, you'll have the resources you need to write confidently, clearly, and creatively. Get started today and see just how easy and efficient writing can be!

Try Jenni for free today

Create your first piece of content with Jenni today and never look back

Copied URL to clipboard!

Social Media Etiquette

Social media etiquette refers to the accepted norms, guidelines, and practices that govern appropriate behaviour and conduct on social media platforms.

What does social media etiquette mean?

It involves understanding and following the unwritten rules and expectations of online communication to promote positive interactions and maintain a respectful and productive online environment.

Here are some key aspects of social media etiquette:

1. Respectful and Constructive Communication

Interacting with others in a respectful and polite manner, even when expressing differing opinions. Avoiding personal attacks, offensive language, or cyberbullying.

2. Privacy and Data Protection

Respecting the privacy of others by not sharing personal information without permission and being mindful of data security and privacy settings.

3. Responsible Content Sharing

Verifying the accuracy of information before sharing, avoiding the spread of misinformation or fake news, and crediting original sources when sharing content.

4. Proper Attribution and Copyright

Giving credit to creators when sharing their content and respecting copyright laws by not plagiarizing or using copyrighted material without permission.

5. Respecting Platform Rules and Guidelines

Familiarizing yourself with and adhering to the specific rules and guidelines set by each social media platform to ensure responsible and lawful use.

Why is social media etiquette important?

Adhering to social media etiquette helps create a positive and inclusive online environment, fostering healthy and respectful interactions between individuals and communities. It promotes effective communication, reduces misunderstandings, and encourages the development of meaningful connections and relationships.

The future of social delivered to your inbox

Sign up for Later’s newsletter & be the first to access news, expert tips, and free resources.

Email Address

By entering your email, you're accepting Later's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

• How to Legally Repost User-Generated Content on Instagram
• The Best Way for Businesses to Repost on Instagram

Stay in the know & grow your business

Create & manage all of your social media content in one app.

Send us an email

11 Dos and don’ts on social media etiquette for businesses

Written by by Jacqueline Zote

Published on  June 28, 2021

Reading time  6 minutes

Oversharing and spamming on social media. We’e seen it and have been guilty of it at some point as well. These are social media etiquettes we all know (but sometimes fail to follow). Personal accounts aside, businesses also should maintain certain etiquette in their social media presence.

Social media etiquette refers to both the spoken and unspoken set of social conventional rules of personal and business behavior online. It dictates how people conduct themselves on social media so they remain respectful and respectable.

Bad social media etiquette on your personal account will probably leave you with posts that make your future self cringe. But for businesses, it could affect their brand reputation and can deter customers from returning.

That’s why we’ll provide you with the best dos and don’ts to maintain proper social media etiquette for your business and why it’s important.

Why is social media etiquette important?

With an increasingly vigilant internet population, a single mistake on social media can make or break a business.

Outlining proper social media etiquette in your social media policy will help you:

• Protect against legal and security issues : If your industry has stringent privacy and compliance laws, your system will keep you on the right side of the regulations.
• Protect against privacy risks : Social media etiquette outlines what’s acceptable to share and what isn’t. This helps prevent privacy violations for your business and for others.
• Empower staff: When your employees know how to share content safely online, they can represent and advocate for your organization, without harming your reputation.
• Defend your brand: Social media etiquette ensures that everyone who interacts with your brand on social media will see a respectable, professional business.

1. Understand Each Platform’s Best Practices

Most social media etiquette principles are relevant across all platforms. But there are also best practices that are specific to each platform, such as:

• Don’t use your Twitter character count to ask for Retweets; share valuable content and followers will Retweet organically
• Know when and to whom you should send a LinkedIn connect request
• Don’t post too frequently and flood your Instagram feed

Make sure you read up on the best practices of each platform, such as Facebook or Instagram , to understand platform-specific etiquette and expectations.

2. Don’t Be Overly Promotional

People may follow your brand on social media to learn more about your products or services. But that doesn’t mean you should constantly share advertisements or promotional content. According to the Sprout Social Index™, Edition XVI: Above & Beyond, 45% of consumers would even unfollow a brand if it posts too many ads.

Use the right blend of entertaining, educational and promotional content to keep your audience engaged. For example, Zoom’s Twitter feed has a healthy mix of informative and educational content, new feature updates and promotional posts.

How virtual will the future be? We asked 7,689 people across 10 countries for their preference between virtual, hybrid, or in-person life and work activities. Here's what they said: https://t.co/3TydV5KVCU pic.twitter.com/GqIsXma0oK — Zoom (@Zoom) May 10, 2021

3. Monitor Posts Frequently

It’s easy to fall into the habit of scheduling your posts and forgetting all about them. But failing to check how people react to your posts is poor social media etiquette. Otherwise, how would you know what kind of posts are resonating with your audience? How would you know if your posts are relevant?

Sprout Social gives you a robust set of social media analytics tools to monitor your social posts, uncovering insights such as likes, comments and saves. These insights give you a better understanding of what resonates with your audience and how to adjust your social strategy.

4. Maintain Hashtag “Hygiene”

Using too many hashtags on a post can look messy and unappealing. Just because you can add 30 hashtags on Instagram , doesn’t mean you should.

Good social media etiquette is picking out only the most relevant hashtags for each post. Using branded hashtags can expand your brand awareness and create communities as well.

Trupanion keeps it short and sweet with just a couple of occasion-based hashtags.

It may be #DogMomDay , but I am not missing out on the action. #Caturday pic.twitter.com/BDiOctdiwt — Trupanion (@Trupanion) May 8, 2021

5. Be Responsive; Not Reactive

One of the most dangerous things a brand can do is getting caught in an argument on social media. This will reflect poorly on your brand and may even chase away customers.

Rather than quickly reacting to every negative social media comment and brand mention, listen to understand the situation. Then come up with a response that fits the situation and your brand voice . If the conversation gets more heated online, despite your best efforts, try moving the conversation into DMs or have them email your customer support team directly.

In the following Tweet, Hershey’s does a great job of responding to the customer complaint with:

• An explanation

https://twitter.com/rejectednut/status/1395943911244419076

6. Don’t Force a Connection

Most brands know the importance of forming a strong bond with their target audience . But some make the mistake of trying way too hard, coming across as inauthentic or even desperate.

Let a connection between you and your audience form naturally through consistent engagement. Post regularly, listen to your audience and respond to them. And don’t forget to stay true to your brand voice.

Employee advocacy and influential executives can also help your brand form a stronger, more authentic connection with followers. People may be more comfortable connecting with the human face behind your brand rather than the brand itself.

In our #BrandsGetReal survey , we found that 70% of consumers feel a better connection to a brand when its CEO is active on social media. And 72% of consumers also experience a similar connection when they see employees sharing information about a brand on social media.

PayPal’s Dan Schulman is the perfect example of an influential executive who can connect with the audience. He uses LinkedIn to share empathetic and timely messages as well as PayPal’s efforts to uplift minority business owners.

7. Don’t Beg for (or Buy) Followers

Asking for followers at every single opportunity can come across as desperate and off-putting.

Don’t be in a hurry to gain a following. Instead, let it build naturally through consistent posting, authentic interactions and high-quality content . People who value your content will flock to your page over time.

8. Remember Humor Isn’t Universal

While jokes can add a fun, friendly tone to your message, always remember that humor isn’t universal. What works for one brand may not work so well for yours. And most people may not share your sense of humor.

So even if humor fits with your brand personality, make sure it’s appropriate and well-placed. You could also create a social media style guide that outlines the kind of voice and humor that works for your brand.

BarkBox goes for light-hearted and relatable humor involving dogs, which resonates with the target audience.

https://www.facebook.com/barkbox/videos/3759727064155245

9. Play Nice with Competitors

How you interact with or talk about the competition says a lot about the brand you represent. Brands like Wendy’s have been riding the wave of social media fame with its unrelenting roasts and snarky comments about competitors. But this strategy doesn’t work for everyone.

Even if it fits with your brand style, you still need flawless execution and some level of social media presence to make it work. Otherwise, it will come off as rude and unappealing. In fact, 67% of consumers  find it annoying when brands make fun of competitors.

So avoid bad-mouthing your competition as you could end up hurting your reputation more than it hurts theirs.

10. Give Credit to Sources

If your social content strategy involves content curation and user-generated posts, don’t forget to give credit where it’s due. When you’re reposting photos, quotes or videos from others, make sure you clearly attribute it to them.

This is easier on platforms like Twitter, where you can simply hit “Retweet.” For Instagram, using a repost app simplifies this process of capturing the original caption. Still, on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, it’s wise to reach out to the original poster for their permission before you use their image on your brand page.

See how BISSELL gives due credit even when it’s reposting Instagram content to Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/bissell/photos/a.98038490038/10159594497955039/

11. Build a Positive Image

Social media gives you the perfect platform to strengthen your brand image. And proper social media etiquette will help you reach that goal.

To build a positive brand image, start by spreading positivity through your social media. Share inspirational news, create uplifting content and celebrate your employees. Even in the face of negativity and controversy, respond with patience and kindness.

Maintaining transparency on social media is also crucial for building a positive brand image. In fact, it could even cultivate brand loyalty . According to another #BrandsGetReal survey , 85% of consumers are more likely to stay loyal to a business during a brand crisis if there’s a history of transparency.

So own up to mistakes, give honest responses to customer questions and be transparent about your manufacturing practices.

Do it right on social media

Following all these “rules” may seem challenging. But it all boils down to caring about your audience and what they think. If you put their needs first, you can naturally maintain these social media etiquettes with minimal effort.

Want to learn more about what consumers think about brands’ social media behavior? Download the Sprout Social Index™ for more consumer insights.

• Influencers

Breaking Ground: The latest Sprout updates you need to know about

• Social Media Strategy

What is influencer marketing: An influencer strategy guide for 2024

• Press Story

Sprout Social extends industry leadership with powerful AI innovations and 20 new product capabilities

The past, present and future of influencer marketing, according to Taylor Lorenz

• Now on slide

Build and grow stronger relationships on social

Sprout Social helps you understand and reach your audience, engage your community and measure performance with the only all-in-one social media management platform built for connection.

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact
• About Digital Citizenship
• Digital Citizenship Curriculum
• Digital Citizenship (U.K.)
• Lesson Collections
• All Lesson Plans
• Digital Life Dilemmas
• SEL in Digital Life Resource Center
• Implementation Guide
• Toolkits by Topic
• Digital Citizenship Week
• Digital Connections (Grades 6–8)
• Digital Compass™ (Grades 6–8)
• Digital Passport™ (Grades 3–5)
• Social Media TestDrive (Grades 6–8)

AI Literacy for Grades 6–12

• All Apps and Websites
• Curated Lists
• Best in Class
• Common Sense Selections
• About the Privacy Program
• Privacy Evaluations
• Privacy Articles
• Privacy Direct (Free download)
• AI Movies, Podcasts, & Books
• Learning Podcasts
• Movies to Support SEL
• Internet Safety
• Books for Digital Citizenship
• ChatGPT and Beyond
• Strategies for Shocking News
• Digital Well-Being Discussions
• Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
• Offline Digital Citizenship
• Teaching with Tech
• Movies in the Classroom
• Social & Emotional Learning
• Digital Citizenship
• Tech & Learning
• News and Media Literacy
• Browse Events and Training
• Modeling Digital Habits Teacher Training
• Digital Citizenship Teacher Training
• Student Privacy Teacher Training
• Common Sense Recognized Educators
• Common Sense Education Ambassadors

Training Course: Modeling Digital Habits

Earn your Common Sense Education badge today!

• Family Engagement Toolkit
• Digital Citizenship Resources for Families

Family Tech Planners

Family and community engagement program.

• Workshops for Families with Kids Age 0–8
• Workshops for Middle and High School Families
• Kids and Tech Video Series

• Get Our Newsletter

Keeping Your Students (and Yourself) Safe on Social Media: A Checklist

Topics:   Classroom Management Privacy & Security Digital Citizenship

Learn how to keep personal information confidential on social media.

Social media is an increasingly important part of students' lives. In fact, the average teen spends nearly an hour and a half a day using social media . Unfortunately, the same study reveals that tweens and teens spend on average just 7 to 12 minutes per day on creative activities. To be true digital citizens, our students need teachers who model prosocial, creative, and responsible social media use.

So why are only 1 in 10 teachers using social media professionally ? It can be a scary and confusing prospect when you're working in a school environment, from FERPA compliance issues to headline-making incidents. It's no wonder many teachers avoid it entirely. In fact, 81% of teachers express concerns about the possible pitfalls that arise from mixing professional work with social media.

While social media can pose risks to privacy, these risks can be managed with informed, intentional use. There's also a huge upside: Many teachers have used social media successfully to share best practices, provide an authentic audience for student work, cultivate digital citizenship among their students, and build more connected school communities.

So, if you're looking to take the plunge—or already have—review this non-exhaustive list of best practices for protecting privacy and setting a responsible example of safe sharing in your classroom.

To be true digital citizens, our students need teachers who model prosocial, creative, and responsible social media use.

Start Here: Three Questions to Ask Whenever You Share on Social Media 

Before you dig into the extensive checklist below, some of which can feel a little overwhelming or aspirational, I want to offer you something you can start doing now . Here are three questions you should ask before you post anything from your classroom or school on social media:

• Is there anything in this post that personally identifies me or my students?
• Do I have explicit permission to post it?
• Is what I'm posting furthering the learning of my students or other learners? 

Taking time to pause, think, and consider these questions will get you a long way.

Now on to the full list!

Establish and Apply Transparent, FERPA-Compliant Policies

Locate and review your school or district's social media guidelines. Basically, everything you might do hinges on the existing policies that have been set up where you work, so check those out first. You should also look into your school or district's acceptable-use policy.

If guidelines don't exist, work with your administrators and tech specialists to set them up. You might discover your school or district doesn't have guidance available, or existing guidance is outdated or not readily available. If that's the case, let your administrators and tech leads know. 

Share and discuss your social media guidelines with students. Let students know the what , when , and how of social media in your classroom, and facilitate a discussion about the why —both the benefits of social media use and its risks. Get students' feedback, and encourage them to talk with you privately if they have sensitive concerns about their pictures or personal info making it out into the world. It goes without saying, but respect each student's wishes.

Use family consent/opt-out forms. If you're planning on sharing activities happening in your classroom, get consent from parents or caregivers. You might also advocate to have your school offer detailed opt-out forms for parents and caregivers.

Make a list of students whose parents and caregivers haven't given consent—and keep it private. Maintain and reference a private, secure list of students who've been opted out. Make sure to include the different types of things covered in your opt-out form.

Tune Up and Protect Devices and Accounts

 Strongly c onsider maintaining separate accounts for personal and professional use. This might be a rule already spelled out by your school or district. If not, it's something to seriously consider.

 Regularly a udit the privacy settings on all of your social media accounts. Social media platforms each come with their own risks to personal info and data. You'll want to do a deep dive into the privacy settings of each. Since these settings also change, you'll want to check back on them regularly. To get started, turn off all location-sharing data. You might also want to  set your personal Twitter account to "Protected"  so only those who follow you can access your tweets. Also look closely at  Facebook's extensive privacy controls . Note, however, that Facebook's "privacy" settings are really about visibility  of your information to other users . Facebook, as well as other social media platforms, can still see everything. And in some cases, third-party apps you connect to through social media can get special access as well.

Consider regularly archiving or deleting social media content. Teachers need to be mindful of their digital footprints too! You might want to set up a schedule for either archiving or deleting content you've posted on social media. You can prune your content and just keep the best stuff, or remove it all entirely and start fresh. If you're the sentimental type and can't bring yourself to fully delete stuff, social media platforms will often let you unpublish or archive content. Purging content regularly helps reduce your footprint and also makes sure that stuff you post involving your students isn't hanging around forever. Take note that there are third-party services that help you delete batches of content, but be mindful of the privacy and security of these tools. When in doubt, do it yourself.

Turn off geo, GPS, or location tagging for photos on your mobile devices. Also, audit which apps access your location. Mobile devices and apps notoriously grab and use your location in any way they can. This includes embedding location data in photos you take and tracking where your device is at any given time. It's best to turn off geo, GPS, or location tags on your photos. After you've done that, take some time to dig into the location permissions or settings on your mobile device. Look at how your device uses your location, as well as what apps use your location and when. Restrict these permissions as needed.

Revise your bio and profile on your social media accounts. Check in on the private and public biographical and profile information that's shared on each of your accounts. Make sure to remove any details that could pinpoint your location, school, or personal identity, as necessary.

Learn about the social media platforms your students use, even if you don't use them at school. If you're teaching digital citizenship, it's important to stay up to date with the social media your students use. This doesn't mean you have to use them yourself, but try to know the basics. This helps you understand the challenges your students are facing and host more relevant discussions.

 Get photo-editing tools on your devices to easily edit out sensitive information. Your phone, tablet, or computer likely has built-in photo-editing tools for cropping photos or blurring parts of the image. These tools can be useful when you're using social media in your classroom, because they help remove sensitive info before you post. There are also a ton of dedicated apps you can use, many of them free, to do on-the-fly edits.

  Walk around your classroom and look for any visible student or class information. If you're a classroom teacher, you probably have a lot of stuff on the walls and whiteboards of your room. Some of this might contain sensitive info, from logins and passwords to student names, class codes for apps, and grades. Take inventory of everything in your room and either remove these postings or make sure to keep them out of any media you record.

 Regularly review the sharing settings for your digital files and folders. Take a look at how you're organizing students' digital records on your computer. Make sure info isn't being shared with anyone who isn't meant to see it and/or legally authorized to access it.

Create a digital file naming convention that doesn't use first or last names. Remember: It's not just what's inside the picture or artifact you share, but how that file is titled that could disclose students' info (for example, "JasminePhillips_01.jpg"). That's why it's best to figure out a system for naming files that doesn't use students' names.

Ignore comments and direct/private messages asking for personal information on social media platforms, even from someone you know. Scams, schemes, and spam seem to be everywhere on social media, as well as in our emails, text messages, and voicemails. If you receive an unsolicited request for personal info—even if it's from someone you think you know—it's best to just ignore the request. If the request came from someone you think you know, follow up with them later. Ideally, use a different method than they used to contact you (for example, don't respond in the same social platform or text/email chain). Best of all: Talk to them in person.

Before You Post: Things to Look Out For

Avoid instantly sharing any picture or video you take. Take some time to look closely at what you've recorded, ideally on a bigger screen than a phone, or at least by zooming in and looking closely at everything that's visible. You'll be surprised at what you catch (for example, student names on worksheets, classroom passwords on Post-its, and profile information on a computer monitor). To help, here's some things to look for:

The faces and names of students whose parents haven't given explicit consent for sharing. Unless you've made some arrangement with students and parents or caregivers, always make sure that students' faces and names are obscured. Watch out for reflections.

Addresses, birth dates, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers. While you might have consent to share students' faces or names, never share other personal info that can be used to locate a student or steal their identity.

Posts that involve your students in ads, product promotion, or marketing. Social media can be a great way to offer feedback to developers of educational products, but consider how posts about products that include your students can make them nonconsensual spokespeople.

Names on desks, jerseys, and name tags.  It's easy to overlook these disclosures of personal info.

School and district names on t-shirts, posters, and buses. If you want to keep your location private, look out for school and district logos and names in your environment and in your photos.

Grades, assessments, or any part of a student's educational record. This is a core part of FERPA and casts a wide net. So, when in doubt about something that might count, don't share. Pay particular attention to how you reply to publicly posted student work.

Student handwriting. A lot of what FERPA considers personally identifiable is pretty common-sense (names, addresses, student ID numbers), but you should also know that FERPA protects biometric data as well, including handwriting.

 Local points of interest . It's pretty easy for internet sleuths to figure out where you are if you include any distinctive buildings, signs, monuments, or landscape features. Try to obscure these things or frame photos in a way that looks generic.

Practice in a Safe, Classroom-Only Space

 Consider using a classroom-only technology, such as a learning management system or messaging app, to share safely and practice digital citizenship. To give you and your students practice with sharing work, participating in conversations, and connecting with an audience, you might want to try out a tool you're already using, such as an LMS, that allows for media-rich, private sharing and commenting just between students and teachers. Some also let families join in!

Get Families Involved

Ask students' family members to follow your best practices . Encourage families to follow your school's social media guidelines when they visit campus, or when they post or comment on school-related social media pages.

Share your guidelines and best practices with parents and caregivers. Host a family night focused on using social media and devices responsibly at school and home.

Download an Infographic Version of This Article

Download a Printable Version of This Article

Review or teach one of our lessons on privacy and security .

Take our one-hour interactive training course on protecting student privacy. In this interactive course, you'll learn how to assess the privacy and security of products commonly used in the classroom.

Further Reading

Explore NYC Schools' guidelines for social media use . Take particular note of how they tune guidelines to each audience, and focus on digital citizenship over fearmongering.

Learn a bit more about federal law and guidelines around student data privacy . Teachers might want to check out this FERPA 101 video in particular.

Tanner was Editorial Director, Learning Content at Common Sense Education where he led the editorial team responsible for edtech reviews and resources. Previously, he taught writing and media literacy for six years, and has a PhD from the University of California, Riverside. His research on video games and culture has been published in journals, books, and online, presented at conferences nationwide, and continues to be cited and taught in classes around the world. Prior to joining Common Sense Education, Tanner worked as a curriculum developer and researcher at GameDesk, helping to design and launch Educade.org and the PlayMaker School. While at GameDesk, he co-designed the United Colonies alternate reality game (ARG) with Mike Minadeo. This ARG is to date one of the most sophisticated to be implemented in a K-12 environment. Outside of education, Tanner has been a Technical Writer-Editor for the Department of Defense, a web designer, and co-editor and co-creator of a print literary journal.

Related Content

Protecting Your Students' Privacy on Social Media

Social Media Test Drive

Social Networks for Students and Teachers

Social media that helps teachers and students connect, collaborate, and share.

Social Media Etiquette: How to Post Responsibly and Respectfully

Sophia Bennett

Table of contents, think before you post.

Be Mindful of Your Audience

Avoid Offensive or Controversial Content

Respect Others' Privacy

Engage in Constructive Conversations

Don't Overshare Personal Information

Be Aware of the Impact of Your Words

Take Responsibility for Your Actions

🌬️💨 Enhance Your Sessions - Shop Top-Quality Smoking Gear at DankGeek!

Post a comment

Why is it important to think before you post on social media, how can i be mindful of my audience on social media, why should i avoid posting offensive or controversial content on social media, how can i respect others' privacy on social media, how can i engage in constructive conversations on social media, why should i avoid oversharing personal information on social media, why is it important to be aware of the impact of your words on social media, why should i take responsibility for my actions on social media, popular articles.

Eco-Friendly Beats: How Vinyl Records are Making a Sustainable Comeback

Plant Power: The Rise of Veganism in the Cannabis Community

Never miss a post, share this article, recent post, tiny house, big dreams: sustainable living in the age of legal cannabis, reimagining music festivals: trends towards sustainability and inclusivity in the event scene, cultivating a mindful high: the intersection of cannabis use and meditation practices, the emergence of psychedelic-assisted therapy: a new dawn for mental health, more articles.

Telephone Etiquette: Balancing Efficiency with Respect and Courtesy

Golf Etiquette: Playing the Game with Grace and Respect

Community questions.

What are some simple etiquette rules that a lot of people should know?

What are the most important rules of etiquette?

What are the Internet etiquette rules every Internet user should know?

What are some social etiquette rules to keep in mind?

What is netiquette?

What are the new rules for interacting with others on social media?

Why is online etiquette important?

What impact has social media had on personal interactions?

Login to civilized.

Primary links

Social-Media Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts

Day-to-day life has rules of etiquette. The challenges of online communication (see pages 262–265 ) mean that social media has an etiquette all its own, Below are 10 important rules to follow as you interact with others on all types of social media.

Your Turn Brainstorm with classmates ways to recognize hazardous or difficult situations when communicating in social media. Discuss best practices for handling those situations.

Staying Safe Online

The World Wide Web is, any many ways, like the Wild, Wild West. It’s full of exciting opportunities and emerging technologies like the various types of social media in this chapter. But it also has its share of hazards, including cyber bandits. To protect yourself, your family, and your computing device, you’ll need to follow a few common-sense precautions.

▶ Protect your identity.

Don’t reveal personal details to strangers online. Before making any information public, consider what it reveals about you, your home, and your family. That warning is especially true of photos and Web cam images.

▶ Use trusted sites and services.

Just as wandering down a dark alley in a city is unsafe, so is navigating an unusual Web site, chatting in an unfamiliar service, or opening a suspicious email. Stick to sites and services with a national or worldwide reputation to be safe.

▶ Look before you click.

Spammers disguise dangerous links with innocent names. (Your status bar may give you a clue.) Phishers send emails claiming to be from somewhere official, but with an infected attachment or a link to a fake Web site. If you aren’t sure, don’t click. If an email says you need to check your account, go directly to the actual Web site in your browser; avoid using links in emails.

▶ Close the door.

When finished using a personal account from a public computer—at school, at the library, or even at someone else’s house—remember to log out, so the next person cannot access your account.

▶ Don’t download anything questionable.

The surest way to get a computer virus is to download something you shouldn’t. Unscrupulous people know how tempting a “free” album, movie, game, or book is, and they often offer infected files this way. Even legitimate programs are often packaged with lots of other software that can bog down your computer. Be sure you know exactly what you are installing before giving it access to your computer.

▶ Make sure your computer has antivirus and antispam software.

Many security companies offer free versions of programs that can help keep your computer safe from intrusion. Be sure to keep the program’s virus definitions up to date, though. It is also a good idea to use an online scanner every six to twelve months to see if your antivirus program has missed anything.

Your Turn Check online for news reports of identity theft. Share in class what you discover, and discuss ways the victim could have avoided being taken advantage of.

Additional Resources

Web page: A Visual Guide to Staying Safe on Social Media

Web page: Protecting Your Personal Information on Social Media

Web page: 12 Things Students Should Never Do on Social Media

© 2014 Thoughtful Learning

Need a hand creating engaging content? Try Buffer for free →

The 29 Most Common Social Media Rules: Which Ones Are Real? Which Ones Are Breakable?

How did you end up learning the unwritten rules for social media etiquette?

For me, it was a lot of watching and waiting, a bit of experimenting , and tons of trial and error. When I first started out on social media , I had just the most basic rules and intuitions. Even now, I feel like I learn a new quirk or quibble on a near-daily basis.

It’s hard to know which rules exist, which ones are real, and which ones are okay to break or follow.

I’d love to help shed some light here so that you can go forth and share confidently.

The 29 most common social media rules

After digging into a bunch of research from thought leaders and influencers, I found there seemed to be a set of social media rules that most could agree on. Here’s the list of 29 social media rules most commonly mentioned by the pros.

(Thanks to HubSpot , TollFreeForwarding and Gryffin , Rebekah Radice [ 1 ] [ 2 ], Chris Brogan , and Outbound Engine for their great resources and inspiration on these social media rules.)

For all social networks

Share several times a day, but space out your posts every few hours.

• Respond to all comments as quickly as you can.
• Know the art of the hashtag. 1 hashtag is fine. 10 hashtags are not.
• Always keep the 80/20 rule! Entertain and inform your audience first, sell to them second.
• Use first person plural when talking about your company brand (We, Us).

For Twitter

Don’t automatically direct message people that follow you.

• Provide more context in your tweets with Twitter’s latest update .

Don’t hijack another company’s hashtag.

Don’t buy followers.

Don’t stuff your tweets with keywords.

For Facebook

Don’t Like your own post.

Don’t post or tag photos of fans, customers, or employees without permission.

Don’t tag people or pages that aren’t relevant to your post.

Don’t ask for Likes, Comments, or Shares.

Personalize your connection requests. Tell them WHY you’re connecting.

Once connected, send a “welcome” message.

Don’t join groups and immediately start selling yourself.

Don’t ignore the more professional tone of the network.

Always +mention users when commenting on their posts.

When sharing a post, always add your own commentary to it first.

Share to Circles to target your content.

• Use Google+ formatting for your text—bold, italics, and strikethrough.

Don’t neglect to provide good descriptions for your pins.

Always link back to the original source and give credit.

Don’t use images that have nothing to do with your clickthrough content to get more pins or clicks.

Don’t pin just your own material.

• Don’t ask people to follow you or use hashtags like #tagsforlikes – it’s unprofessional.

Don’t overgram. No one likes their feed filled up with one user.

Use hashtags for your brand appropriately. The golden number of hashtags is 11.

Rules for all social networks

Which ones are real which ones are breakable.

Research has shown that bursts—moments when you flood your followers’ timelines with several updates sent back-to-back-to-back—are one of the most significant factors in unfollowing . To combat this, you can use a social media scheduling tool like Buffer to space out your posts.

Respond to all comments as quickly as you can

A social media study found that 53 percent of users who tweet at a brand expect a response in under 60 minutes. Twitter is the most real-time of the social networks. Timely responses are imperative on Twitter and highly encouraged everywhere else.

Know the art of the hashtag. 1 to 3 hashtags are fine. 10 hashtags are not.

How many hashtags is too many? The Next Web recommends 1-3 hashtags per post , across all platforms. It’s a good rule of thumb to start with; you might find your mileage varies depending on the different networks.

From what we’ve been able to research and learn about hashtags ,

• Twitter – 1 to 3 hashtags seems to be best
• Facebook – hashtags may actually decrease engagement
• Instagram – 11 or more hashtags per post gets the most engagement
• Pinterest – hashtags are not recommended

The takeaway here: Hashtags are great for added engagement and visibility, almost all the time. The ideal number of hashtags seems to vary greatly. Feel free to test and iterate for yourself.

Always keep the 80/20 rule! Entertain and inform your audience first, sell to them second

We’ve covered the many different ratios you might try for your social media sharing —the 4-1-1 rule, the Rule of Thirds, the Golden Ratio, etc.—and one thing they all have in common is an emphasis on sharing others’ content more than your own.

For many, this will be a great strategy. For our social media sharing at Buffer, we’ve tried the opposite advice , sharing 90 percent of our own content and 10 percent from others. We’ve yet to see a negative impact on engagement.

Use first person plural when talking about your company brand (We, Us)

For example:

When speaking as the company, first-person plural is best. When speaking as your personal brand, first-person singular (I, me) would be more natural.

Social media rules for Twitter

There’s a time and a place for good social media automation , and direct-messaging new followers doesn’t appear to be it. A popular practice in the earlier days of Twitter, auto-DMs now are easily identified by users as inauthentic messaging.

Provide more context in your Tweets with Twitter’s latest update

The ideal length of a tweet is 71 to 100 characters as this allows people to customize your Tweet’s message when sharing. If a person chooses to manually retweet you (copying the text from your tweet and typing RT: at the beginning), they may want to add a personal note or message to your original tweet. Keeping the length well below the updated 140-character limit makes this easier.

HubSpot has some great advice for this one:

When you see companies create well-performing hashtags, don’t hop on their hashtag train to promote irrelevant content — it devalues their hashtag and, as a result, your brand.

Betaworks data scientist Gilad Lotan ran an experiment on this exact rule, paying $5 for 4,000 Twitter followers. He found that doing so felt quite off—sleazy even. Still, the final outcome for the experiment actually led to positive Twitter growth for Gilad.

I do believe that acquiring just the right amount, as much as I hate to write it, may have a positive long-term effect on acceleration of growth and visibility.

This would make for an interesting ethics debate, right? Just because a strategy works on social media, does that mean it’s okay to use? How do social media rules and etiquette factor in? Buying twitter followers feels a bit underhanded and unethical to me. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

How would your tweet sound if you were to say it face-to-face to a friend or coworker? This seems to be a good measure of the right balance of keywords.

Social media rules for Facebook

Liking your own post has the potential to surface the content again in the News Feed (first when you publish, and again when you Like) and to kick off engagement from others. That being said, doing so tends to send a rather desperate, unsavory message to those who catch on.

Many sites recommend getting written permission before going ahead with posting and tagging photos of others on your Facebook page. There’s likely to be very valid privacy concerns that could arise if brands aren’t careful in this area.

People and pages who are tagged in Facebook updates receive notification of being mentioned; some folks use this as a simple hack for getting added attention on the content they publish. Again, this is one of those tactics that might work well yet doesn’t feel particularly great.

Previously, the social media rule for this one was: Only ask people to like your status if you are doing a poll, i.e. “Like this post if you’re a dog person, share it if you’re a cat lover.” Asking for likes, comments, or shares is one of the factors that the Facebook News Feed considers when it decides what content to show. Promotional text like this lowers the visibility of your content.

Social media rules for LinkedIn

Personal requests tend to be noticed and appreciated—and accepted!—moreso than a simple generic request.

In my experience, this one happens quite rarely—although the effect can be great! If you get a lot of LinkedIn requests, this might not scale too well; however, it’s possible to do this for a few connections at a time or for the occasions when you connect with influencers.

Groups are a great way to connect with others in LinkedIn (one of the benefits of Groups is that you can direct message any fellow group member, whether you’re connected or not). One of the best rules for LinkedIn groups is to respect the group dynamics. Share and engage before selling.

This one speaks to an even greater social media rule: Tailor your content and message for each specific network. LinkedIn in particular has a targeted demographic of business people and professionals. Content on the network does best when it fits that tone.

Social media rules for Google+

This helps the original authors follow along with the thread, and it’s a polite way to give attribution and credit where it’s due.

Google+ posts are a real joy to read and write; they’re often more like mini blog posts than social media updates. The way that users compose these messages has a really neat art and science to it. One way I’ve noticed is that many people add their own thoughts about a topic first, followed by a horizontal line break (a series of connected dashes, usually), then the headline and link to the related article.

Sharing to a Circle is like Direct Messaging a particular group of people. Only those in the Circle will receive the notification and can view the content. It’s a useful way to share targeted content with a compartmentalized group of followers.

Use Google+ formatting for your text.

Here’s a quick guide on how to style your posts in Google+.

Social media rules for Pinterest

Sometimes, in quickly pinning different images it’s easy to leave out the pin description. This is one of the key ways that new users can discover your pins, provided you compose a good description that’s rich in keywords.

Whenever we talk about images on the Buffer blog , one of the key areas to keep in mind is proper attribution. Images tend to get passed around lots online, so it’s always best to track back to the original source so that they get credit for their creation.

Pinning from the original source, rather than somewhere that syndicated or republished the image, is always best.

This Pinterest hack may bring in clicks, but they’re not likely to be valuable, sticky traffic nor are the new visitors to leave with a very good impression of their experience.

Instead, you can create individual boards that highlight your blog posts or content. Beyond that, pin from a wide variety of sources.

Here’s an example of what we’ve done for our marketing tips posts from the Buffer blog.

Social media rules for Instagram

Don’t ask people to follow you or use hashtags like #tagsforlikes.

Similar to to Facebook, asking for Likes is not recommended, although instead of impacting your photo’s visibility (there’s no News Feed algorithm for Instagram), the impact is likely to be felt on your brand’s professionalism.

In our research into ideal frequency for social media , Instagram was one that didn’t have as concrete of a standard. One research study found that major brands post an average of 1 to 2 times per day . At the same time, brands that post 10 or more times per day continued to see positive engagement growth even as frequency grew.

As mentioned above, you can often get away with more hashtags on Instagram than any other social network. Track Maven’s study of Instagram hashtags found that interactions were at the highest on images when 11 or more hashtags were used.

The best part about this recommendation is that the data comes from a set of users with 1,000 or fewer followers —a group that likely includes small businesses and those just diving in to Instagram. In other words, hashtags could be your best bet for growing a fast following on Instagram.

Which of social media’s unwritten rules have you learned of in your experience? Which ones do you subscribe to? Which ones do you break?

It’d be amazing to hear about your experience with some of these. Feel free to leave your thoughts here in the comments.

Image sources: The Noun Project , Blurgrounds , Get Refe , Pablo

Did you find this article helpful? You might also like our all-you-need social media toolkit.

The all-you-need social media toolkit

Publish Flawlessly. Analyze Effortlessly. Engage Authentically.

Buffer is the all-you-need social media toolkit that lets you focus on doing what you love for your business.

Related Articles:

How to Make Money on TikTok in 2024

TikTok is a great tool for discovery that also has the potential to create a new source of revenue or income. Here’s how you or your business can make money on TikTok....

Power Words: 150+ Words to Drive More Clicks and Conversions on Social Media

Power words can change the trajectory of your social media posts. Here’s why they work and a list of 150+ words you can start to use immediately....

How to Create Your Own Social Media Calendar in 7 Simple Steps

A step-by-step guide to creating your own social media content calendar, expert guidance on why you need a social media calendar, plus the system we use in our marketing team at Buffer....

23 Top Social Media Sites to Consider for Your Brand in 2024

Find out the most popular social media sites today. Some will be familiar, others may not. Discover some that might be great for your brand but that you have yet to explore....

140,000+ small businesses like yours use Buffer to build their brand on social media every month

• No credit card required
• Cancel anytime

May we suggest

Picked for you.

Library & Learning Commons

• Search for sources
• APA style guide

Digital Literacy: Computer Skills, Netiquette & Internet Safety

• Netiquette for Email & Social Media
• Library Guide for Digital Literacy
• Computer & Information Technology Skills
• Internet Safety & Online Privacy

#wrapbox148407. headerbox { display: none; }

Netiquette is a set of unofficial rules for good behavior and politeness followed by users of online and digital technologies such as the Internet, email, and chatrooms.  Netiquette is derived from the word "etiquette," which refers to the general rules or conventions of correct and polite behaviour in social settings and situations. It is thus the practice of exercising polite and considerate behaviour in online contexts, such as Internet discussion boards and personal email.

#wrapbox6511684. headerbox { display: none; }

• Netiquette Do's & Don'ts for Email
• Digital Footprints & Social Media

Email is an important form of communication that is used in multiple contexts, from professional to personal.  DO follow these rules and guidelines for proper email netiquette:

Composing Email

       • If you are sending an email to people at BVC, use your MyBVC email. 

             • If you are applying for a job or sending an email to a business, create and use a professional email.

        • Include a subject line, a proper opening and a closing line

        • Know your audience - for formal emails to colleagues or prospective employers, use polite and professional language

        • Be concise and proofread the text to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes

Sending and Responding to Email

        • Address all of the sender's questions or concerns

        • Confirm that the email of the recipient is correct

        • Be careful using the Reply to All button

              • If necessary, protect privacy of recipients by using the blind carbon copy (bcc) field

DON'T make these mistakes:

        • Writing in capital letters that MAKE IT SEEM LIKE YOU ARE SHOUTING

        • Opening emails or attachments from unknown or suspicious senders

        • Overusing the priority, high importance or receipt settings

        • Sending or forwarding personal or private information without the original sender's consent

        • Including unnecessary information or diverging from the purpose of the email

        • Using emoticons or abbreviations i.e. :) or "lol" unless writing informally to friends or family

        • Subscribing to unknown distribution lists

• Email Etiquette for the Super-Busy - 99U

Nothing is private on the Internet and many sites have the ability to archive or store your information. Your "digital footprint" is the data that you leave behind after interacting in online environments such as social media websites or discussion boards. Be cautious of personal material and information that is posted online by yourself or others. This is important as employers are increasingly using social media to evaluate and find potential employees.

When using social media websites, you should:

     • Check the privacy settings on websites such as Facebook

     • Confirm that your profile information is accessible only to the extent you choose

     • Do not accept people you do not know as "friends" on social media websites

     • Be careful when interacting or sharing information with other Internet users

#wrapbox148261. headerbox { display: none; }

The Core Rules of Netiquette by Virginia Shea

The following 10 rules and reminders for online communication and behaviour have been summarized from Virginia Shea's book, Netiquette .

Rule 1: Remember the human 

Remember that behind every screen is a human being with independent thoughts and feelings. It is easy to misunderstand or be rude to others when you are not interacting with them in person. Before clicking send or post, ask yourself: Would you say it to the person's face?

Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior as in "real life"

This rule is a reminder that the ethical standards and laws that govern our society extend to cyberspace as well. This includes harrassment and bullying, copyright regulations, and privacy.

Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace

Different environments require different behaviour. The way we interact with our friends, for example, may not be acceptable in a school or work situation. This principle extends to online environments as well. Comments that are acceptable on Facebook, for instance, may be considered inappropriate on a professional networking site such as LinkedIn.

Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth

In this rule, "bandwidth" is synonymous with "time." When you send and email or post on a discussion board, keep your comments brief and relevant to the environment or situation.

Rule 5: Make yourself look good online

There are many positive aspects about the Internet, including the ability to remain anonymous. This rule is a reminder not to allow this aspect of the Internet influence how you communicate. Pay attention to your grammar, spelling and word choices as well as the overall content and truthfulness of your writing, as this is what others are using to judge you.

Rule 6: Share expert knowledge

The Internet is a great platform for sharing good information. However, it can also be used to spread misinformation and distortions. If you hold a lot of knowledge about a certain topic or subject, don't be afraid to share it online in a manner that is helpful and accurate.

Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control

"Flaming" refers to verbal disagreements that occur between users in contexts such as message boards. They are often a result of strongly held opinions and emotions. As in rule 4, do not monopolize online discussion with long or offensive commentary.  

Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy

The Internet is an open forum. Remember not to share information about others that could get them -- or yourself -- into trouble, both personally and professionally.

Rule 9: Don't abuse your power

This rule is intended for those who carry more power on the Internet as experts, designers, system administrators or even hackers. Power should always be used responsibly and not to harm or take advantage of those who are less powerful or knowledgeable.

Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

Give other users the benefit of the doubt and consider that they may come from a different background or have less experience on the Internet. Do not be rude when you encounter someone's mistake -- always respond with courteousy and respect.

• << Previous: Computer & Information Technology Skills
• Next: Internet Safety & Online Privacy >>
• Last Updated: Mar 13, 2024 1:00 PM
• URL: https://bowvalleycollege.libguides.com/digital-literacy

Create carousel posts faster than ever with ContentStudio. Try now

Plan and schedule content with ease.

Measure and report social media KPIs.

Support customers on social with unified inbox.

Find and curate trending content.

Other Products

By Business Type

• For Agencies
• For Small Business
• For Marketing Teams
• For Enterprise

By use Case

• Social Media Management
• Social Media Analytics
• Social Media Automation
• Social Caption Generator
• Content Curation
• Content Marketing
• Social Media Approval Workflow
• Google Business Profile
• Integrations
• Blog Homepage
• Social Media
• Digital Marketing
• Instagram Marketing
• Social Customer Support
• Product Updates
• Help Center

15 Must-Follow Social Media Etiquettes For Everyone

Social media usage is on the rise. Not a piece of breaking news, right?  

A study by Kepios shows an annual growth rate of 9.9%, or 13 new users every second. From October 2020 to 2021, almost 409 million new users joined social media, indicating that various platforms have seen substantial development.

It’s also worth noting that comparing social media users to the entire population may underestimate the true scope of social media use, as most social media sites are restricted to persons aged 13 and up.

According to the most recent figures, the number of social media users worldwide now accounts for more than 70% of the world’s eligible population.

Facebook has over a billion users worldwide, while Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn each have hundreds of millions of users. In short, every major age group is connected with social media to sell their business, keep in touch with old acquaintances, or look for new connections.

It’s hard to believe that social media didn’t exist just ten years ago, given how prevalent it is today. While it’s exciting to interact with friends and coworkers from anywhere and at any time, there are risks associated with this extent of connectivity. A heedless or impulsive tweet or Facebook post might annoy your friends and family. It might even jeopardize your digital presence.

. @poojaslays , who got RTed by the great person managing the @IHOP twitter account, got banned bc Liberals are pathetic and this what they do pic.twitter.com/zhc8DPT6mO — Thomas (@ThomasIsOnline) January 18, 2017

While more robust privacy settings might help keep your social trace hidden, it’s difficult to hide entirely. If you use social media sites regularly, observing good etiquette can help you avoid negative social consequences. 

That is where social media etiquette comes into play.

What is S ocial Media Etiquette ?

Social media etiquette differs for everyone. You can’t post from a business the same way as your account. The audience’s expectations and unsaid social media rules differ for businesses and individuals. These social media etiquettes differ from platform to platform even. When you’re reposting anything on Instagram, for example, you have to pay close attention to the nuances. There isn’t much to consider when it comes to retweeting on Twitter.

Social media etiquette or social mannerism, simply put, means do’s and don’ts for social media managers and business owners. These etiquettes are also referred to as netiquettes

The term “netiquette” refers to all aspects of online communication, including email, instant messaging, social media, multiplayer gaming, and other forms of online communication.

The main goal behind netiquette or mannerisms on social media is to treat others with respect and take care of intellectual property rights and associated implications. Personal information, images, or videos of anyone should not be shared without consent or mentioning credits where due. 

Social media manners constitute a subset of netiquette that tries to protect a company’s or individual’s online reputation. The demands of social media etiquette vary on each site, which is why you should develop an understanding and then follow them.

Why is Social Media Etiquette important for business? 

Now that you understand what it entails, you may be wondering why it’s so important to adhere to social media etiquette . The answer is that a single blunder can cost you a lot in terms of your reputation and customer base. 

It’s true not only for companies but also for individuals. Posting content against a social media platform’s policy can also have serious consequences. It may damage your brand image as well. 

Here are some social media blunders to avoid if you’re aware of them.

Ensuring acceptable social mannerism is just as important as targeting the right audience and providing captivating content.

Here are the key reasons social mannerisms are important for businesses

1. Etiquette helps with online interaction

The majority of social media articles concentrate on platform management. However, the majority of social media blunders occur due to how we interact with others – a far more difficult part of the social equation to manage. The framework for dealing with the people part is provided by etiquette. You’ll be flying blind on all those platforms without the art of dealing with people. 

2. Etiquette aids in remediation after a blunder

We all make blunders on social media, regardless of how careful we are with our demeanor.  It is because individuals are strange and can do unpredictable things. It isn’t easy to communicate without any difficulty with everyone all the time. However, knowing where most barriers emerge from might help you enhance your odds more successfully and frequently.

3. Etiquette can help you appear empathetic

While your purpose in using social media is unquestionably important, keep in mind that you can engage with others who have goals. You just need to follow proper etiquette, which will help you understand the aims and expectations of your audience better. 

4. Etiquette assists you focus on the result 

Posting personal information, views, opinions, or biases on a professional account, releasing sensitive information by accident, or unwittingly insulting a powerful supporter of a cause are all blunders that can cause a social media firestorm . Will such errors jeopardize your job or business? Maybe or maybe not. However, they will surely divert your attention from your primary goals. 

5. Etiquette protects you from legal implications.

 If you work in a field with strict laws regarding privacy and heavy implications for non-compliance, adhering to social media etiquettes will ensure that you stay on the right side of the law.

6. Etiquette protects your brand respectability

 If you follow social mannerisms , everyone who interacts with your brand on social media will see a respectable, professional business.

Build Trust with Curated Content

Discover, brand, and share the best content with your audience. Establish yourself as an authority and turn leads into loyal customers.

15 Social Media Etiquettes You Should Follow At All Times

A social media manager who shares content without giving it any thought can do a lot of damage. Commenting carelessly on Twitter, for example, or engaging in heated online disputes on sites like Facebook, may both disgrace the individual and the brand he/she is associated with.

Social manners are important for everyone, be it a professional, a business owner, or a random person. However, the restrictions for each of these are different. Someone who owns a firm, for example, must adhere to a different set of stricter rules than someone who works for a company.

Here are some guidelines to follow when using social media networking 

Social Media Etiquette for professionals

Social media provides an excellent platform for connecting with coworkers, friends, and family. However, as simple as this communication appears to be, it is not without risk. There’s always the possibility that you’ll post or tweet anything that may anger your followers. An incorrect tweet on Twitter or a careless Facebook post, for example, might serve rather than develop your ties with your followers.

However, adhering to a few ground principles can be readily avoided. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of five social mannerisms guidelines to follow:

1. Keep your audience in mind

It is one of the most crucial social media etiquette rules to remember. Consider whether the content you’re sharing on social media networks like Facebook or Twitter is beneficial to readers and answers their problems. Consider whether the stuff you’re about to publish is what people want and have come to see.  

2. Make sure you don’t post any personal information

While building a social media platform, there’s a good chance that your image as a friend or family member will clash with your image as a professional. In this scenario, you must adhere to etiquette that will assist you in balancing the many roles you play. Also, try to refrain from blogging or tweeting.

3. Share valuable content

It is a must-follow social media etiquette. Use social media channels such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others to post/tweet brief updates regarding relevant issues. The entire idea of having a professional account is negated by uploading trivial or unrelated content. Get something to share useful, such as a tip, motivation, or a useful link just like Nike. 

See how to create valuable content  

Nike is utilizing its platform to advise people to maintain social distance during the pandemic, support the Black Lives Matter movement, and empower girls to pursue their aspirations regardless of their circumstances. And they aren’t scared to speak out and stand up for what they believe in. People from various walks of life are inspired by their ads, which encourage them to have courage and accomplish great feats

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Nike Women (@nikewomen)

4. Share consistently but don’t overdo it

This etiquette is especially important for people who like to reveal too much information. It’s crucial to be present on multiple social media networks regularly, but don’t go overboard.

For example, on Twitter, publishing a few times per day is acceptable, but on Facebook, one post per day is more than plenty.

5. Beware of social media norms

Each social media platform has its norms. And each social media community is developed around a common interest or activity. As a result, avoid sharing the same information across many networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. Consider adapting content for each platform, even if you plan to publish the same content across all platforms.

Social Media Etiquette For Business

For firms that have used social media platforms before, some of these conventions may seem self-evident. That’s because, as a seasoned player, you’ve studied your content and techniques numerous times to determine what works and what doesn’t.

Even with practice, there is some nuanced social media etiquette that businesses worldwide ignore. Here are five social media etiquette guidelines that every company, regardless of industry, should follow:

6. Uphold business values

Consider the type of content you wish to share. And consider the design you’d like to employ. Also, consider the color scheme you wish to stick to. Use this method to generate content for posting and tweeting. Make sure these posts/tweets reflect your company’s values and indicate what you stand for.

7. Maintain a schedule

Keep your posts up to date. Don’t overshare, but don’t completely withdraw from sight. It raises the question of how many posts is too much. The answer varies from one business to the next and from one industry to another. However, you should post at least once or twice a week.

Here’s a complete guide on the best time to post on social media

8. Identify platforms that work for you

With so many social media networks to choose from, it may be tempting to try them all. However, this could be a dangerous move. You should choose and focus on specific social media channels to know your target people are based on marketing goals.

9. Provide a complete bio for your brand/business

Don’t forget to fill out all required information after signing up for a new account on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Enter your contact information after uploading your business logo to write about your company. Ascertain that you include all pertinent information that others may need to know about .

Discover Relevant, Trending And Engaging Content

Monitor content by keywords, topics or sources of your interest. Curate content that drives engagement on all of your channels.

10. Address follower queries

It’s not enough to create interactive and compelling material. Interacting with others is an effective technique to connect with others. Consider a comment or a question on Twitter. Send them a polite response. Share industry-related posts on LinkedIn or solicit recommendations from your Facebook followers.

Starbucks engages with customers on social media frequently, answering inquiries or addressing problems to let them know they are noticed and cared about. The company also knows how to influence users through social media.

We apologize to the two individuals and our customers for what took place at our Philadelphia store on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/suUsytXHks — Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) April 14, 2018

Social Media Etiquette for Employees

More and more firms are involving their staff in using social media to post promotions, news, and opinions to expand their network. Employee advocacy is a common term for this technique, and it is becoming more important as social media platforms advance.  

Businesses must, however, establish social media etiquette for their staff to promote this behavior. These rules help to promote healthy conversation and prevent potentially damaging posts/tweets.

To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of five netiquettes that management  can encourage their teams to follow when the employees are representing their organizations on social media:

11.  Use social media during working hours

If you’re an employee of a firm then share positive things about the firm. Also, participate in online discussions that will benefit you and your company.

12. Keep personal and professional accounts separate

Employees should keep their personal and professional social media accounts separate. Posts and “likes” on social media can last indefinitely. When posting on behalf of the organization, employees should keep the company’s reputation in mind.

It’s important to keep an eye on more than just the business account. Employees should assume that information on their accounts will be read by clients and prospective employers.

13. Avoid sharing personal information

Employees should be cautious about revealing too much personal information on the internet. Before publishing names or photographs online, they must acquire permission from other employees, clients, or business partners.

14. Consult with coworkers

Before responding to any media queries, employees should contact the relevant person inside the organization. 

15. Make use of disclaimers

If an employee mentions his firm on their personal social media presence, it should include a disclaimer that their ideas and comments do not necessarily reflect the company’s or management’s point of view.

Must-Follow Tips To Ensure Social Media Etiquette

1. mention content credits.

Social media is a content recycle bin.

What does it mean? Many people will see your content in a hurry as it spreads like digital wildfire. Plagiarised content might harm your reputation. 

It’s not difficult to share and distribute continual amazing content. All you have to do is to mention the creator or source in your post.

Request permission to share (and earn courtesy points) or share it while making it clear it isn’t yours. If you don’t, you’ll come across as unprofessional across others’ creativity. 

2. Be succinct and concise

Being overly verbose may cause individuals to avoid your posts. To avoid this, keep your post content short and sweet without going into too much detail. 

3. Be Truthful

Be fully transparent and honest about yourself and your company. Whether you’re being honest or not is usually obvious to your followers. Make your partnerships and any other activity thing else you’re directly involved in/with known.

4. Make your visual content appealing

Content produces results only when it is combined with good visual design. Make sure you create engaging, dynamic visual content that can be shared like wildfire. Don’t forget about your profile photo, and prepare a distinctive cover shot for specific social media sites.

5. Be welcoming to all

If other people’s links are useful and relevant to your business, try to share them. This will aid in the development of positive relationships with them. And enhance the likelihood of your content being passed on in the future.

6. Go easy with Hashtags

Hashtags are a lot of fun. They aid in the search for the discovery of your brand.

#as #long #as #you #aren’t #on #a #board

They add to the noise and distraction, making you appear desperate.

To make hashtags more meaningful, use them intelligently.

Have a look at our Social Media Hashtag guide

7. Promote others too

You would appear uninteresting and lifeless if you send outposts after posts for the promotion of your goods or service. By supporting the content and products/services of others where it deserves appreciation , you will leave a positive impression on the audience.

Learn to strike a balance between your business marketing and that of sharing others’ content to make a beneficial coexistence possible in the digital space.

8. Don’t copy digital content

Although digital content is not tangible, it is still owned by someone on the internet. Not only is it unethical to use someone else’s content without mentioning credits, but also can face legal implications under intellectual property laws This applies not only to posts and tweets but also to content that has been recycled from other sources.

9. Stick to your brand persona

Be cautious when posting,  or commenting on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and others. Everything you put out there on the Internet reflects your image and that of your company. So, before you post something online, screen it to make sure it’s free of any red flags.

Do you follow social media etiquette?

Social media has such enormous power, it’s critical to use basic etiquette while interacting with other users. Best practices are merely a high-tech version of old-school manners, from avoiding heavy self-promotion to maintaining a respectable presence on a social medium

However, because the online world moves at a much faster pace than the physical world, it’s vital to consider the impact of your words, photographs, and videos before sharing them with hundreds or thousands of people. 

People on the Internet aren’t always quick to forgive!

Wasiq Naeem

Wasiq Naeem is a content and digital marketing veteran who is passionate about his writing. Extensive research and producing high-quality content is just another day at the office for him.

[100% FREE]

Unlock exclusive social media tips & strategies.

Trusted by 120,000+ agencies, brands, and digital marketing teams. Receive our best content directly in your inbox.

Your email address

Recommended for you.

Future of Customer Experience: 14 Ways AI is Making a Difference

What does DM mean and How Can You Use It for Marketing?

Social Media Customer Service: Proven Tips to Solve Customer Complaints

How to Positively Handle Negative Comments on Social Media?

Powerful Social Media Management Software

Experience an organized workflow to plan, organize and schedule your social media posts. Discover, brand, and share the best content with your audience. Increase your productivity and boost social engagement.

• I agree to receive emails about relevant content, products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at anytime.
• Subscribe to Newsletter

What Is Social Etiquette & Its Examples

Do you find conferences intimidating and sometimes even a bit overwhelming? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! There are awkward icebreakers,…

Do you find conferences intimidating and sometimes even a bit overwhelming? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! There are awkward icebreakers, poor eye contact in general and the jitters while approaching a room full of strangers. So, how do you stand out and make a first impression?

Social etiquette practices will teach you how to confidently navigate all kinds of social situations. Read on to see what does and doesn’t work while trying to make a lasting first impression.  Let’s start by understanding what social etiquette is.

What Is Social Etiquette?

Humans are social animals and it’s important that they follow certain norms that facilitate interpersonal relationships. Social etiquette is exactly how it sounds, it refers to the behavior you resort to in social situations—interactions with your family, friends, coworkers or strangers. We’re expected to follow social norms in order to coexist and live in harmony.

Social etiquette influences how others perceive and treat you. It can help you create lasting impressions that establish trust and reliance. Practicing good social manners not only help you build lifelong relationships; it also helps you create fruitful opportunities. Let’s look at some real-life social etiquette examples to understand the concept better.

Remembering people’s names and making them feel good

Saying ‘sorry’ or ‘excuse me’ immediately after sneezing

Using ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ when a situation calls for it

Saying ‘excuse me’ while navigating your way through a crowd

Holding the door for somebody standing in front of or behind you

Types Of Social Etiquette

We practice different kinds of social etiquette depending on the situation we’re in. For example, the way you behave at a family dinner is quite different from the way you behave at a business lunch. Let’s look at the types of social etiquette we practice depending on different situations:

Face-To-Face Etiquette

Face-to-face interactions aren’t always easy. Here are a few etiquette practices to follow when you meet someone:

Use your full name to introduce yourself and greet the other person. You can simply use ‘hello, nice to meet you’ to break the ice. A smile and a firm handshake make it easier to build rapport.

Pay attention to your body language so that you don’t come off as rude or unprofessional. Good posture, eye contact and a confident attitude can make a huge difference.

One of the most important aspects of social etiquette is paying attention to people. Never interrupt anyone mid-sentence and always listen respectfully.

Social Media Etiquette

Social etiquette also extends to social media and online communication. Here are some ways to ensure proper conduct on social media platforms:

If someone doesn’t accept your friendship or follow requests, leave them be.  If it’s important to connect with someone, message them and state your purpose.

Avoid posting insensitive content on your social media handles. If you make a mistake, own up and apologize.

Always get consent if you want to share someone else’s information, photos or content. Before tagging someone in a post or photograph, check if they’re comfortable with it.

Virtual Meeting Etiquette

Work from home has become the new normal for most businesses today and virtual meetings have become a part of daily work routine. Here are a few tips to help you maintain proper social etiquette during online meetings:

Dress for success! Wearing appropriate attire can help you feel confident. It also shows that you pay attention to details and it’ll impress your audience.

Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking. It ensures that there’s no echo and you don’t disrupt the flow of meetings.

It may be tempting to check your phone but try to stay present and active. Participate in discussions and show anyone who’s speaking that you’re respectfully listening to them.

Good social etiquette promotes kindness, humility and consideration. Even the smallest acts can make the biggest difference! Harappa Education’s  Practicing Excellence course will help you look at the bigger picture. The Four Selfs of Excellence framework will teach you how to present the best version of yourself and make others feel comfortable in your presence. The 1% Rule will help you pay attention to details and make small improvements for better performance. Practice excellence and exceed everybody’s expectations!

Explore topics such as  What is Etiquette ,  Business Etiquette ,  Meeting Etiquette ,  Telephone Etiquette ,  Email Etiquette  & Difference between  Etiquette and Manners   from our Harappa Diaries section and improve your social skills to develop professionally.

• Rasmussen University
• Transferable Skills
• Digital Fluency
• Social Media Etiquette

Digital Fluency : Social Media Etiquette

• Managing Your Online Footprint
• Internet Safety

What Is Netiquette?

Netiquette is defined as:

"a set of unofficial rules for good behavior and politeness that have been developed by users of Usenet, the Internet, email, chatrooms, and other modes of online communication ."

Netiquette is the practice of exercising polite and considerate behaviour in online contexts, such as Internet discussion boards and personal email.

Follow these links to learn more:

Netiquette by Virginia Shea

An online hyperlinked version of Virginia Shea's book covering the basics of netiquette and its application in different contexts, such as business and school

Bow Valley College Library. (2013, July 30). Digital literacy, netiquette and internet safety. Retrieved from https://bowvalleycollege.libguides.com/content.php?pid=411283&sid=3362191

"The Core Rules of Netiquette" by Virgina Shea

• Introduction
• Remember the human
• Adhere to the same standards...
• Know where you are....
• Respect other people's time...
• Make yourself look good online
• Share expert knowledge
• Help keep flame wars under control
• Respect other people's privacy
• Don't abuse your power
• Be forgiving....

Shea, V. (2011). The Core Rules of Netiquette. Retrieved from https://www.albion.com/netiquette/book/index.html

Remember that behind every screen is a human being with independent thoughts and feelings. It is easy to misunderstand or be rude to others when you are not interacting with them in person. Before clicking send or post, ask yourself: Would you say it to the person's face?

This rule is a reminder that the ethical standards and laws that govern our society extend to cyberspace as well. This includes harassment and bullying, copyright regulations, and privacy.

Different environments require different behavior. The way we interact with our friends, for example, may not be acceptable in a school or work situation. This principle extends to online environments as well. Comments that are acceptable on Facebook, for instance, may be considered inappropriate on a professional networking site such as LinkedIn.

In this rule, "bandwidth" is synonymous with "time." When you send and email or post on a discussion board, keep your comments brief and relevant to the environment or situation.

There are many positive aspects about the Internet, including the ability to remain anonymous. This rule is a reminder not to allow this aspect of the Internet influence how you communicate. Pay attention to your grammar, spelling and word choices as well as the overall content and truthfulness of your writing, as this is what others are using to judge you.

The Internet is a great platform for sharing good information. However, it can also be used to spread misinformation and distortions. If you hold a lot of knowledge about a certain topic or subject, don't be afraid to share it online in a manner that is helpful and accurate.

"Flaming" refers to verbal disagreements that occur between users in contexts such as message boards. They are often a result of strongly held opinions and emotions. As in rule 4, do not monopolize online discussion with long or offensive commentary.

The Internet is an open forum. Remember not to share information about others that could get them -- or yourself -- into trouble, both personally and professionally.

This rule is intended for those who carry more power on the Internet as experts, designers, system administrators or even hackers. Power should always be used responsibly and not to harm or take advantage of those who are less powerful or knowledgeable.

Give other users the benefit of the doubt and consider that they may come from a different background or have less experience on the Internet. Do not be rude when you encounter someone's mistake -- always respond courteously and with respect.

Email Do's and Don'ts

• Be informal, not sloppy
• Brief and to the point
• Use sentence case
• Use of blind copy (Cc or Bcc)
• E-mail and personal contact
• E-mail isn't private
• Group e-mails
• Subject field use
• Chain letters....
• E-mail tone
• E-mail signature
• Long discussions
• Forwarding e-mails

Email is an important form of communication that is used in multiple contexts, from professional to personal. Below are tips on how to apply proper email etiquette.

Stack, L. (2014). 12 tips for better email etiquette. Retrieved from https://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/12-tips-for-better-e-mail-etiquette-HA001205410.aspx

Be informal, not sloppy. Your colleagues may use commonly accepted abbreviations in e-mail, but when communicating with external customers, everyone should follow standard writing protocol. Your e-mail message reflects you and your company, so traditional spelling, grammar, and punctuation rules apply.

Keep messages brief and to the point. Just because your writing is grammatically correct does not mean that it has to be long. Nothing is more frustrating than wading through an e-mail message that is twice as long as necessary. Concentrate on one subject per message whenever possible.

Use sentence case. USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS LOOKS AS IF YOU'RE SHOUTING. Using all lowercase letters looks lazy. For emphasis, use asterisks or bold formatting to emphasize important words. Do not, however, use a lot of colors or graphics embedded in your message, because not everyone uses an e-mail program that can display them.

Use the blind copy and courtesy copy appropriately. Don't use BCC to keep others from seeing who you copied; it shows confidence when you directly CC anyone receiving a copy. Do use BCC, however, when sending to a large distribution list, so recipients won't have to see a huge list of names. Be cautious with your use of CC; overuse simply clutters inboxes. Copy only people who are directly involved.

Don't use e-mail as an excuse to avoid personal contact. Don't forget the value of face-to-face or even voice-to-voice communication. E-mail communication isn't appropriate when sending confusing or emotional messages. Think of the times you've heard someone in the office indignantly say, "Well, I sent you e-mail." If you have a problem with someone, speak with that person directly. Don't use e-mail to avoid an uncomfortable situation or to cover up a mistake.

Remember that e-mail isn't private. I've seen people fired for using e-mail inappropriately. E-mail is considered company property and can be retrieved, examined, and used in a court of law. Unless you are using an encryption device (hardware or software), you should assume that e-mail over the Internet is not secure. Never put in an e-mail message anything that you wouldn't put on a postcard. Remember that e-mail can be forwarded, so unintended audiences may see what you've written. You might also inadvertently send something to the wrong party, so always keep the content professional to avoid embarrassment.

Be sparing with group e-mail. Send group e-mail only when it's useful to every recipient. Use the "reply all" button only when compiling results requiring collective input and only if you have something to add. Recipients get quite annoyed to open an e-mail that says only "Me too!"

Use the subject field to indicate content and purpose. Don't just say, "Hi!" or "From Laura." Agree on acronyms to use that quickly identify actions. For example, your team could use <AR> to mean "Action Required" or <MSR> for the Monthly Status Report. It's also a good practice to include the word "Long" in the subject field, if necessary, so that the recipient knows that the message will take time to read.

Don't send chain letters, virus warnings, or junk mail. Always check a reputable antivirus Web site or your IT department before sending out an alarm. If a constant stream of jokes from a friend annoys you, be honest and ask to be removed from the list. Direct personal e-mail to your home e-mail account.

Remember that your tone can't be heard in e-mail. Have you ever attempted sarcasm in an e-mail, and the recipient took it the wrong way? E-mail communication can't convey the nuances of verbal communication. In an attempt to infer tone of voice, some people use emoticons, but use them sparingly so that you don't appear unprofessional. Also, don't assume that using a smiley will diffuse a difficult message.

Use a signature that includes contact information. To ensure that people know who you are, include a signature that has your contact information, including your mailing address, Web site, and phone numbers.

Summarize long discussions. Scrolling through pages of replies to understand a discussion is annoying. Instead of continuing to forward a message string, take a minute to summarize it for your reader. You could even highlight or quote the relevant passage, then include your response.

If you are forwarding or reposting a message you've received, do not change the wording. Please use caution with:

• If you want to repost to a group a message that you received individually, ask the author for permission first.
• Give proper attribution.

Netiquette Rules

Howcast. (2009, May 26).  How to follow proper netiquette rules  [Video file]. Retrieved from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dRoclqDJh0

Social Media Etiquette Links

Follow these links to learn more about Social Media Etiquette:

• Athabasca University: Etiquette in Social Media
• An Insider’s Guide to Social Media Etiquette
• Social Media Etiquette Roundup: Understanding Cultural Norms
• The Ultimate Social Media Etiquette Handbook
• << Previous: Leader
• Next: Managing Your Online Footprint >>
• Last Updated: Apr 24, 2024 8:32 AM
• URL: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/digitalfluency

Find anything you save across the site in your account

Emily Post’s Netiquette

By Betsy Morais

In 1922, Emily Post published “Etiquette,” the book that set the standard for social conduct. It also gave rise to a family business, now run by its fifth generation, called the Emily Post Institute, which maintains an expanding collection of etiquette guides, runs manners seminars, and oversees the “Etipedia.” Now, Post’s great-great-grandson, Daniel Post Senning, has published “Emily Post’s Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online,” an extension of the matriarch’s brand of propriety into the Facebook-OkCupid-Tumblr milieu. “Ultimately,” he writes, “we are talking about traditional social norms—being friendly, thoughtful, considerate, sincere, respectful—and how we carry those with us when we enter the world of social media and mobile devices.”

Senning begins his book by promising that he writes “for technophiles and technophobes alike.” But it’s the latter who stand to gain the most from the manual, if they think to pick it up at all. Readers will encounter tips like “Need to know something or how to do something? The Google search is a new norm for finding out anything instantly,” and “Be sure to engage in the back-and-forth of the Twitter conversation.” Some will dismiss misguided instructions: “As a general rule, don’t open e-mails that don’t have a subject line.” And his earnest, perhaps clichéd, suggestions for commenters—“leave the flame-thrower at home,” “know your own hot buttons,” and “never insult or question someone’s intelligence or integrity”—are endearingly reasonable but misunderstand the ruthlessness of trolls . This book will not reform the discourteous, but it may coach the naïve.

Mostly, Senning takes a read-the-room approach. “It goes without saying that you need to know how to use a medium before you dive in,” he writes of Twitter. “Save yourself some embarrassment (and maybe your job) and read the ‘How To’ guide first.” He also advises, “One person’s news is another person’s waste of time.”

The Internet helps foster communication, but, as Senning notes, it also elegantly can help with avoidance. In one useful section, he points out the virtue in how Facebook allows you to reject someone’s request for friendship with the click of a “not now” button instead of the company’s original term, “ignore.” He writes, “In real life it can be impossible to ignore someone who is reaching out to you. Maybe this is why Facebook changed the option.” These are the cues that allow social media to function; they ease the friction of undesired encounters. Some wish to take this to the extreme, like Nick Bilton of the New York Times , who has made a case against thank-you e-mails . Senning takes a more measured approach, rarely handing down pronouncements or prohibitions. On whether to leave voicemails, he writes, vaguely, “model the behavior you’d like to see in others.”

Senning, though, could have gone much further. What we really need is a guide for those already immersed in the Internet; there is the alphabet, and then there is fluency. A Twitter user may be familiar with the “@” symbol, but it carries its own detailed rules. For instance, “.@” has different implications than “@” on its own. Depending on context, placing the period before the symbol can either be generous—“.@strugglingmusician has a terrific new video on YouTube”—or self-serving. (“.@minorcelebrity thanks for the compliment!”) As in “real life,” these kinds of signals are used as self-conscious indications of relative status. Those who are adept at handling these interactions are rewarded with esteem (followers). Offenders, and those who slip into bot-speak—hashtags are the vocabulary of machines, not humans—are shunned.

In 1976, the anthropologist Clifford Geertz, writing about linguistic etiquette on the island of Java, noted, “It is nearly impossible to say anything without indicating the social relationship between the speaker and listener in terms of status and familiarity.” This describes the Internet today, from the wording of an e-mail to a request on Facebook, not to mention subtweets and Snapchat. Every pixel is embedded with agenda: argumentative, promotional, admiring, documentary, yearning for simulated intimacy. Geertz added another complication, too: status is communicated “not only intentionally in terms of word selection within the speaker’s dialect but unintentionally in terms of the dialect he uses as a whole.” Replace “dialect” with “platform”—Facebook versus Twitter, e-mail versus Gchat—and the same truth holds. When is it appropriate to post a message on someone’s wall rather than tweet or write an e-mail? The sender could advertise familiarity on an open forum—and thus might stand to gain—or defer to the privacy of a direct message. There’s a compelling argument to be made against the public exchange.

Digital life needs etiquette. At the same time, etiquette shapes the contours of digital life. So very politely, we “like,” “favorite,” and “share.” We sign up for accounts because we want to interact with people in the “right way.” And not only should you mind your manners when tweeting but the act itself—a tweet, a follow, a LinkedIn recommendation—becomes socially mandated. Jennifer Kahn’s Profile of Jaron Lanier notes that his book “You are Not a Gadget” argues that when teen-agers cultivate their online reputations, they are “driven more by fear than by love.” Friends have told me that they maintain a Facebook profile so they don’t become socially obsolete—to shut it off would be antisocial, contrarian, rude.

Many have handed down commandments on the rules of Web manners. Etiquette is a public performance, just as it was a century ago—but now “public” has become synonymous with “on the Internet.” Underlying all the prescriptions is the vanishing line between the manners of the analog universe and those of its virtual counterpart, since we move so seamlessly from one to the other. Senning writes, “In an increasingly connected world, it is up to each individual to set boundaries.” We will be judged, then, by the standard of presence—the courtesy of acknowledging our surroundings.

Illustration by Steve Powers.

By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By Kyle Chayka

By Ruby Tandoh

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Life Manners

Netiquette: Code of Good Behaviour on the Internet

• Mintu-Wimsatt, A., Kernek, C., & Lozada, H. R. (2010). Netiquette: Make it part of your syllabus. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 264–267. Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol6no1/mintu-wimsatt_0310.pdf or download the pdf.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2018). In-text citations: The basics. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_the_basics.html
• Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2018). Reference list: Basic rules. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_basic_rules.html
• University of the People. (2018). University catalog. Retrieved from https://www.uopeople.edu/about/uopeople/essential-uopeople-documents/university-catalog/

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• Being Different
• Thanksgiving

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.