The Social Media Silver Rule

We're all familiar with the Golden Rule. This ethical code simply stated tells humans to do to others what you would like to be done to you. Simple enough, right? And yet we still collectively often get it wrong.

But that's not what this post is about.

Social Media's Silver Rule

I try to write down ideas for post topics when something strikes me as being interesting and relevant. One of the items that has been bouncing around my head for a bit has been the thought for a Social Media Silver Rule:

Don't Be Stupid.

That doesn't sound too hard and yet we see stupid stuff all the time being done on, through, and with social media.

So how can you follow the Social Media Silver Rule?

1. Check your privacy settings on Facebook.
2. Don't post things on social networks that will come back to haunt you like eating rancid meat.
3. Think about what you are sharing.
4. You don't have to be friends with everyone.
5. Have a filter. Don't write/tweet/post/share everything that just pops in your head.
6. Remember what you write/tweet/post/share could easily reflect poorly in professional settings.

7. You have the right to remain silent; anything you write/tweet/post/share can and might actually be used against you in the court of public opinion.
8. Check your privacy settings on Facebook. (Yes, it's repeated, but it's worth it if one more person sees the importance of clicking 'Account --> Privacy Settings' in Facebook. They've made some changes at Facebook and you need to know how to block them.)
   

 What do you think? What are some other ways to be wise in social media? The comments are yours.

(Photo credit: Gret@Lorenz è una combattente!)