How Not To Use Social Media

Late last night, a person posted something private about me on my Facebook Timeline.  I thought I’d take this opportunity to let people know where I stand regarding the use of social media in case they didn’t know.

Dear Gentle Social Media Contact:

I’m glad we’re connected via social media.  That means one or more of the following.  This list is not all-inclusive:

- We’re friends.

- We’ve worked/studied/volunteered together.

- We’ve traveled together.

- We’ve played together.

- I’d like to stay in touch with you.

- I’m interested in what you have to say.

- I’d like to learn about your passions, beliefs, thoughts, and opinions.

- I’ll congratulate you when you achieve success, however you define it.

- I’ll express sympathy at your losses.

- I may want to collaborate with you or do business with you in the future.

Now that we’re connected, a surefire way to end our social media connection and possibly our relationship is to:

- Post something mean or disrespectful on my social media profile that would directly hurt any of my contacts or me.  I have family and friends from all walks of life and I will not tolerate anyone who uses my profile to express negative energy.

- Abuse my social media profile for your own agenda.  For example, posting links for something you want to promote without asking my permission first and without otherwise engaging with me beyond your interest in posting something on my profile.

- Post anything that is personal and/or private that would be more appropriate in an email, phone call, or face-to-face.

I choose to surround myself with positive and honest people.  Sometimes relationships must end if trust has been broken or when a relationship becomes toxic.  Good mental health includes setting boundaries with others, too.


4 Comments to "How Not To Use Social Media"

  • February 5, 2013 at 2:12 PM #

    Great letter on social etiquette for social media. Thank you for sharing it!

    • M Terry Bowman
      February 5, 2013 at 3:42 PM #

      Thank you, Nathan!

  • Stephanie
    February 6, 2013 at 7:46 AM #

    Well-said, Terry! Hope your “gentle social media contact” gets the hint. :-)

    • M Terry Bowman
      February 6, 2013 at 8:09 AM #

      Thank you, Stephanie!

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