Cerebra

Melissa Attree discusses the importance – and necessity – of good social media conduct as featured in Advantage June 2013.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re behind a computer or chatting on the street – the same etiquette rules apply. However, the problem online is two-fold: Firstly, the world is watching and secondly – Google doesn’t forget. So whatever you say on the web is out there for all to see. In effect, the online environment focuses a microscope on your manners and provides a record of your most indiscreet self.

That doesn’t mean you can’t be controversial. Half the fun of the internet is being exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking that might be in violent opposition to your own. We often value the people who bravely say out loud the things that we’re privately thinking.

So how far is too far?

If you need to ask “Do you think it’s ok that I tweet this?” – The answer is usually “no”. It’s a gut-based model.
Ask yourself, would I be comfortable saying this to someone’s face? If not, think twice before posting. An argument held behind masks is rarely an authentic, worthwhile discussion.

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Know the basic rules of engagement. Take a moment to educate yourself on the basic functions of each social network – i.e. what is a ‘RT’? How do I share? What is a ‘Like’? Why does it matter?

• Familiarise yourself with the unspoken rules of the community. For example, don’t Retweet compliments, constantly talk about yourself or beg for Followers or Likes.

• Be clear and concise.

• Verify. Don’t Tweet or Retweet something unless you know it’s true, or you’re willing to stand by the implied endorsement.

• Think before you speak. The process of having to type means that we have a little bit more time to actually think. So try harder.

• Establish boundaries and ‘no go’ areas – as a brand and as a person – for what you get involved in. Boundaries shift depending on what is topical and relevant. Therefore, you need to choose your battles accordingly.

• Develop a guiding outline of social media principles. It makes your decision about whether or not to enter the fray easier.

• Understand that irony and sarcasm don’t translate well online and tone can be misinterpreted. Satire can be read as truth and one person’s joke is another person’s hate speech.

• Most importantly, know your rights and your legal ‘no go’ areas.

In short, kindness and restraint are underrated in our tabloid-driven, always-on world. It doesn’t cost anything to be polite, and just as in ‘real life’, everyone wants to be acknowledged. The need to be acknowledged is magnified on the internet. Although tech has made us smarter, it can also foster robotic and foolish behaviour. We’re just people, talking to people – don’t ever forget that.

Original post by the Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA) here