Now that so many of us are home for awhile, it seems like the only way for us to be social is via social media. While this is a wonderful platform for us to maintain human contact, I think it’s time to revisit some of the well known, unwritten rules of social media etiquette. Here is an etiquette checklist for those who need a little refresher.

1) The Golden Rule Still Applies

Folks, please remember the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. Well…as much as I appreciate this rule, I’d like to alter it a bit. I’d prefer the golden rule to be: treat others with kindness. This is very straightforward. Please remember that whenever you comment, or post, or engage in online discussion that there is a human being behind that screen. Be kind, it’s just that easy!

2) No Thunder Stealing

In a time where it’s hard to gather in person and celebrate or grieve together, this rule should be right in line with number 1. Please remember that stealing someone’s thunder is not only rude, but it’s awkward. Please, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT post a congratulations post on someone’s page when it comes to their birth announcement, new job, earned degree status, or anything else until the couple or person has announced it on their social media platform first. All of these milestones are wonderfully exciting, but they’re more exciting when you can step aside, and let the spotlight shine on them first.

This rule especially applies to those who are grieving. It is a part of the grieving process to share with your family and friends the news of your loved one’s passing. Unless you are immediate family, it is best to wait to offer your condolences online until the family has formally done so themselves.

3) Give Credit Where Credit is Due

When you post an amazing meme or share a fantastic blog to your page, please tag the original creator or writer. Those AMAZING family photos that you posted, don’t forget to tag your talented photographer. Crediting is another way of saying “thank you” for allowing you to share. This is one of the most basic rules of social media etiquette.

4) Ask Before You Share a Photo

Perhaps it’s the teacher in me who always cringes a bit when there are cameras everywhere at a child’s event, but this can be a real concern for many. When taking photos at a park, a birthday party, or any public place where your kids and their friends are hanging out, please be mindful of who is in the picture. What I mean is, ask a guardian’s permission before posting a photo of their kids online. There are actually quite a few people out there who choose to keep their children off social media.

5) Sharing is Caring

Sharing recipes, projects, photos…the internet is here for all of it. One thing I’m a huge advocate for is sharing your local business pages and the incredible work of local entrepreneurs. However, there is indeed a fine line in sharing. If you are an entrepreneur, it’s best to publicly push your product or service. In-boxing your whole list of followers sometimes comes off entirely too pushy when you’re asking for them to purchase something or join your company. Keep your business ventures classy by following this rule of social media etiquette.

If you’re unable to support your friend via a purchase, give them a like, a share, and a follow! Supporting someone doesn’t necessarily mean fiscally. Sharing is, indeed, caring!

6) Respond to an Event Invite

Alright, alright. This one I have to say I am personally guilty of breaking. Please, for the love of social media etiquette, respond to the invite! Long gone are the days of paper invitations. Although it’s 100% expected and appropriate to send a formal invite for some events, for casual events, the event invite comes through in your notifications. If it’s a ways away and you have to check “maybe,” go back in and respond yes or no about a week out. If you know for sure that you can’t make it or don’t want to, it’s a simple click of a “no.” If you know for sure you’re going to attend hit that “yes” and go pick out your outfit!

7) Fact Check

Friends, we are literally in the information era. There is so much information to read and share online each and every second. Remember the plagiarism talk from your English teacher back in the day? The one where she/he taught you about credible and non-credible sources? The same rules apply to sharing information. Double check the news that you’re reading. Ask yourself these three questions:

• Does this come from a trustworthy source?
• Is this a blog or the opinion of someone else?
• Who else has reposted this?

Responsible sharing of news is a huge component to social media etiquette. Be careful what you read and believe. Remember to click the headline and actually read the whole article before sharing it with others. Credible writers share their sources at the end or within their piece. Look for the credible indicators.

8) Update your Profile Pic

This is an important piece of the 2020 standards of social media etiquette. Update your profile picture! If you don’t want your picture to be of your face, that’s understandable. Choose a cute avatar or other picture (don’t forget to give photo creds to the photographer). However, if you have had the same picture for years and years, it’s time for a profile facelift. You don’t want to be accused of catfishing your friends and followers! If it’s your wedding photo and you absolutely love it, I 100% understand. Obviously, at the end of the day your picture truly is your prerogative, but I’m empowering you to branch out and hit your platform with an updated head shot!

9) Use an Emoji!

Emojis are the hieroglyphics of the modern era. Make like the ancient Egyptians and throw an emoji in with your comment or posting. Sometimes (more often than not), connotation gets lost. Miscommunication occurs when someone takes something in a way that it wasn’t intended to be taken. Insert the glorious emoji! These little graphics are the life saving additions to your texts, informal emails, or public posts. I mean come on, who doesn’t love a dancing lady or a smiley face with sunglasses?

10) Be Social

Social media gives people the option to be just that: social. There are introverts and extroverts online, too. Some people always post and share, while others simply sit back and read. I urge you to stop ghost scrolling. Get in there and like someone’s page, share something cool, shock the whole world and make a status update for the first time ever! Embrace the social side of social media once and for all.

These rules for social media etiquette come with a bit of sass and whole lot more reality. In today’s world of constant access to each other, perspectives can get clouded. Remember these ten tips to keep your social media interactions with others polite, positive, and overall fun.

Did I miss any of your rules for social media etiquette? Let me know in the comments! See you on the socials!