IN A WORLD WHERE SOCIAL MEDIA IS EVERYWHERE…
…it’s important to know some basic rules, as well as some etiquette tools to keep us on the same page with respecting one another. No one says that you HAVE to follow any specific accounts, so if you’re choosing to follow someone, then there need to be some common-ground expectations.
Here are 12 social media etiquette tips and reminders…
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It is IMPOSSIBLE for you to agree with every person and account on social media. This world is filled with different perspectives which means sometimes you will have to agree to disagree.
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When people are defensive on social media, this typically reveals that they are insecure or closed-minded. At any point, you can un-follow any account/person on social media that triggers you or makes you feel bad about yourself. Don’t feel bad about un-following people if you are making your emotional health a priority.
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If you leave a comment under someone’s post, know that you are putting yourself out there to a world of strangers. You’re taking a chance that someone may reply with a mean or judgmental comment. If you’re confident, the reply won’t leave you unglued. If you are easily hurt or have a hard time knowing people disagree with you, you may want to hold off on leaving comments.
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If you believe in God, let Him be the judge of others and not you.
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Social media is not the place to persuade strangers that what you believe is right and what they believe is wrong… even if what they believe is wrong.
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Avoid oversharing on social media. Before you post, tweet, or share anything, think about how others might interpret it. People can screenshot what you say and use it against you. People will make assumptions, gossip about you, and worst may never forgive you for things you posted.
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If you follow us on social media, it’s impossible to agree with every one of our posts and that is okay. It doesn’t hurt our feelings… we promise. If you choose to follow Happily Ever After we will challenge you to look at other perspectives, think outside the box, push yourself to be uncomfortable and try new things.
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Stay away from bad mouthing your fiancé. Seems obvious, but a little, or big, rant of how your fiancé dropped the ball on something can be really hurtful to your partner. Not only will they feel embarrassed, but people may judge and view your fiancé through a negative lens.
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Remember that your humor is not universal. You may think that your sarcastic post is hilarious but there are a lot of uptight and overly sensitive people in the social media world. Just make sure your humor is appropriate for your “audience”.
If you find yourself triggered* by someone’s post, ask yourself these questions…
*Note: a “trigger” is a wound or bruise you have about a certain topic that brings up a “fight or flight” response in your brain when you come across it, as it reminds you of something you believed to be unfair or unjust in your own life.
Am I being closed-minded about this?
Am I being too sensitive?
Do I have realistic expectations of this person or account?
Could I be misunderstanding what they’re trying to communicate?
Am I someone who is okay to agree to disagree with others while still showing respect?
Am I being stubborn and prideful?
Am I feeling insecure about myself right now?
Am I feeling triggered? If so, what is that I am feeling and why?
Does this account/person bring me more joy or frustration?
Am I just having an off day and need to go for a walk without looking at my phone?
Am I open to hearing another perspective and why?
At the end of the day, be sure to follow the 90/10 rule.
If 90% of the time, this person or account is enjoyable, helpful, and inspiring, keep on following. But, if you find yourself unhappy, triggered, disagreeing with the majority of their posts, or even feeling left out, unfollow and don’t regret it!
Written by Meygan Caston
Meygan Caston is the co-founder of Marriage365 and lives in Orange County California with her husband Casey and their two children. She loves the beach, dance parties, writing, spa days, and helping couples connect in their marriage. Her life-long dream is to walk the Camino, have lunch with Brené Brown and get on The Price is Right.
