Social Media Best Practices
This article offers practical guidelines to help users navigate social media safely, respectfully, and responsibly while protecting their privacy and fostering positive online interactions.
Social media has become a regularly used method of communication for all ages. It is important to conduct yourself online as you would face-to-face with others, as your behavior online is available for all to see forever. It is also important to understand that it is possible to steal a person's identity using information shared on social media – email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and work or home addresses should never be posted online.
It is also important to make it a regular practice to change your social media platform passwords, and if multi-factor authentication is available, use it! Do not use the same password for your social media accounts as you do for your retirement or bank accounts.
Best practices for social media users include being respectful and mindful of privacy and safety.
Respect and Responsibility:
- Be respectful: Treat others online with courtesy and avoid negativity or personal attacks.
- Be mindful of privacy: Protect your own and others' personal information, avoid sharing sensitive data, and be cautious about what you share.
- Understand terms of service: Familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines of each platform you use.
- Think before you post: Consider the potential consequences of your posts and avoid sharing anything that could be harmful or regretful.
- Set boundaries: Trolls live on social media. If you encounter a person who has nothing positive to say or is a bully, it's ok to block them and not engage.
- Be authentic: Share your genuine voice and personality to connect with your audience. Don't be a troll.
- Ask questions: Encourage interaction by asking questions or starting discussions.
- Be a community member: Engage in discussions, share valuable insights, and build relationships with other users.
- Remember the advice to Thumper in Bambi: "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."
- Implement strong passwords: Use unique and secure passwords for your social media accounts.
- Be aware of scams and phishing: Be cautious of suspicious links or requests, and protect yourself from online scams.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your account activity for any suspicious or unauthorized access.
- Review your friend requests: Learning your posting patterns can be used against you. Don't accept friend requests from people outside your friend and family circle.
- Don't publicly share private information! Private information such as email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, license plates, and work and home addresses should never be posted online.
