So here's the deal..., there really are no lessons in deportment for social media.  We are left to our own devices on this one.  Chances are if you are rude IRL (in real life) that you will probably be rude online, in social media.  If you made stupid decisions IRL, you will probably make stupid decisions in social media.  The fact of the matter is that usually (usually) a social media profile reflects a real life - someone, a person, an individual.  If that someone/person/individual is free-wheeling, crazy, loose and carefree...., most likely their profile will reflect that...

 

Here is an interesting phenomena though...  Sometimes quiet, polite and introverted people can have a wild and crazy or rude online persona.  I have seen it.  This leads me to believe that anonymity or simply a quiet space to write and think through a response or thoroughly pour out a story or blog allows some people the opportunity to be more than they are IRL.  More than they can allow themselves to be IRL. 

 

I cannot tell you how many times I have written a comment or reply in anger or repugnant response only to delete before ever hitting the tempting send button.  This is for the best - for me.  Not for everyone.  The new freedom of new media has created superstars, removed self-doubt, as well as destroyed some lives by careless and thoughtless behavior or random miscalculations.


Too many times I have seen responses that were assumptions. Why anyone would comment on a post or status update when they didn't know or really understand the issue or discussion is incomprehensible. It is easy to refrain from making a bad call, just stop and think. Sleep on it before you respond. It's even easier, if the writer is a friend, to pick up the phone or send a personal/private message.


Enjoying social media, using social media for business or networking requires responsibility on the part of the user. Those who make poor decisions, commenting erratically, posting with emotion instead of brains, not fully reading posts, these individuals usually wear out their welcome rather quickly. As well, smarts begin to shine through, or lack there of.


What is it? "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." This works well in blog posts and social networking, as well.


by rayannethorn

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Twitter: Commanding Respect - Lessons...

Think Before You Leap..., To Conclusions.  Deportment?  Ha!