Hidden Rules of Social Media: No One Tells You

While social media rules can vary depending on personal preferences and cultural norms/standards, I observed and felt worth sharing a few unwritten guidelines that many people may not explicitly mention to anyone! Here is some unspoken Social Media etiquette:

1. Don’t overpost:

While sharing updates and moments from your life is a normal part of social media, bombarding your followers with excessive posts can become overwhelming and lead to people unfollowing you. Find a balance between staying active and not overwhelming your audience.

Always Remember, You can fly in a plane without posting your selfie all the time.

2. Avoid oversharing personal information:

It’s essential to maintain your privacy and protect yourself online. Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information like your home address, phone number, or financial details. Think twice before posting content that might compromise your safety or security.

3. Don’t engage in public Arguments:

Disagreements and conflicts can arise on social media, but engaging in heated arguments publicly seldom leads to productive conversations. Try to address conflicts privately or, if necessary, engage in respectful discussions in appropriate forums or through direct messages.

4. Be mindful of tagging others:

Tagging someone in a post or photo should be done with their consent and relevance to the content. Avoid tagging people unnecessarily, as it can be seen as intrusive or annoying. Respect others’ privacy and boundaries.

5. Think before commenting:

Comments on social media platforms have the potential to spark conversations or cause misunderstandings. Before leaving a comment, take a moment to consider the tone, intention, and potential impact it may have. Be respectful, constructive, and mindful of the context.

6. Avoid overposting about personal problems:

While it’s okay to share occasional personal struggles or seek support from your social media community, constantly venting about personal issues might make your followers feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Strike a balance between authenticity and maintaining a positive atmosphere.

7. Respect content ownership and copyrights:

It’s crucial to respect intellectual property rights and give credit where it’s due. If you share content created by others, ensure you have the necessary permissions or provide proper attribution. Plagiarism and copyright infringement can have legal and ethical consequences.

8. Don’t beg for likes, follows, or share:

It’s natural to desire engagement on your social media posts, but repeatedly begging for likes, follows, or comments can come across as desperate or attention-seeking. Focus on creating valuable content, and genuine engagement will follow.

9. Avoid overposting during events or emergencies:

While it’s understandable to share updates during significant events or emergencies, constantly flooding your feed with updates can be overwhelming and insensitive. Show empathy and consider the impact your posts may have on others.

10. Practice digital detox and moderation:

Social media can be addictive and affect your mental well-being. Make it a habit to take breaks, disconnect, and engage in real-life activities. Prioritize genuine connections and experiences offline.

Wrapping up:

These guidelines are not set in stone and may vary depending on the platform, audience, and cultural standards. It’s always helpful to be aware of your own social media behavior and considerate of others as you navigate the digital landscape.

© Published by Author Rakshit Shah — 2023

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The Article is originally published by Author Rakshit Shah on Medium.