Exploring Social Media with Caution

Today, we have never been so connected and accessible.  Information has never been that easy to get.  And we’ve never been spoiled with so many updates.

I used to remember sending snail mails (from Manila) to my grandma who was living in the U.S. back then.  That took a lot of time.  I remember my friends sharing with me that they stayed up late by writing excitedly in their diary.  And I remember spending time in the library to research on the works of Picasso or to learn more about the Renaissance Age.  How time has changed.

Now, if we want to find out about something we don’t know, we simply Google it.  If we want to share our opinion, we tweet it.  If we want to share to our friends how appetizing the food we are about to take, we Instagram it.  Or if we want to share pictures, tag friends, we Facebook it.

But everything should be handled with caution.  Not a lot of things we get from the worldwide web, should be taken at face value.  We still need to validate.  We need to check some more to ensure that what we have is something we can use.  And there’s such thing as TMI or too much information.  We can’t just share everything.  And when I say everything, I mean, we don’t need to document via social media all the things we do, say or feel.  It’s just TMI.

Maybe before we head on to our own Facebook, Twitter or  Instagram accounts, let’s sit back and check the do’s and don’ts of social media.  Here are my tips:

1. Do not post inappropriate messages or photos. Respect audiences in all aspects.
2. Do not rant.  Social media is not your own personal diary.  There’s a proper venue to vent your anger and frustration.  Use social media in a positive way to affect change with a particular bad customer experience. Or use offline channels such as email or the phone to address the issue.  Just always remember, whatever you say or post in the internet, can haunt you in the future.
3. What may be funny to you may not be funny for others.  Or what you find interesting, may be annoying or obnoxious to people.  Be sensitive.  Or if you’ve been called out, just acknowledge it and take note for next time.
4. Think before you tag people on Facebook or other photo or video sharing channels.  Ask first  to ensure these contacts want to be associated with that content.
5. Don’t just add people to your account.  Introduce yourself.  It’s a good habit.  It’s a good start to reconnect or to start a new connection.
6. Utilize social media to network.  Or introduce friends to your friends who might have a potential to engage together. Write recommendations in LinkedIn.  Share great articles or news.
7. Don’t post anything when you are emotional.  You just might regret it later on.
8. Google yourself from time to time.  It helps to know what’s written about you or understand what people are saying about you.  It will be refreshing and it’s something that you can use to help improve yourself or profile in the internet.

The world as we know it is a connected world and has the potential to continue to connect the unconnected.  It’s no longer just the worldwide web, but it’s the internet of everything.  Everything is possible.  Everything is within our reach.  Take it with caution though, while continuing to take advantage of it.

Let’s make the internet an interesting and respectful environment.  Share your tips in making this possible. I’m interested to hear your feedback.

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