published dec. 2023
Let’s scroll.
From selfies and your username, to liking posts and leaving comments, your online actions can impact your real life.
Ah, the digital age, where your online presence can hold just as much weight as who you are in real life. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind your online etiquette matters.
Whether you’re a seasoned social media pro, or you’re just getting the hang of the next big platform, being a good digital citizen is the key for a positive online experience.
Let’s go over a few things that’ll help you show up as your best self online.
Digital ethics and etiquette: The golden rule.
Just like in the real world, what you do online affects others.
So, the first step to being a good digital citizen is something you’ve likely heard in real life: treat others the way you want to be treated. That means treating others with respect, kindness, and empathy.
Next, add in positive contributions to your online interactions and voila – you’re off to a great start.
Highlight the positives.
Ugh, trolls. They’re the users who tend to comment nasty things on posts or post negative things on their own account.
There are things you can do to drown out the noise they’re trying to make. Share heartwarming stories, sing your big life wins from the virtual rooftop, and sprinkle in uplifting comments like confetti.
Posting positive content helps you and your followers steer clear of negative nellies. Plus, you never know who you could inspire.
Your online trail.
That post you made ranting about freshman year’s math class could still be up somewhere even though you graduated 10 years ago. Same goes for any of those selfies you decided to take down because you didn’t notice the stain on your shirt until you had already hit “post”.
Everything you post is part of your digital footprint, which never completely disappears.
Your digital legacy affects your reputation, job prospects, and your credibility. Make sure you think before you post.
To sum it all up, social media can feel like a circus with so much going on. There are things you can do to make it a good experience for yourself and others.
Do:
- Think before you hit “post.”
- Stay positive.
- Be authentic.
- Consider who might see this post and how it could impact you.
Don’t:
- Feed into trolls or other negative comments and users.
- Say something online you wouldn’t say in real life.
- Go on a long rant when something upsets you. Nobody wants to see a digital meltdown.
Keep it kind, respectful, and real when you’re online. Happy scrolling!
