Enter the world of 2013, the world of tomorrow.
We are not quite there with the flying cars or houses that can rise above the smog as the "Jetsons" stated we would be, but we will eventually.
However, before we can entertain anything else, we need to learn how to survive Social Media.
Social Media has been around longer than many people care to pay attention.
It only gained attention when it was re-invented.
The rules swiftly changed as more people were introduced to the internet, and the capabilities of what you could do with it expanded as well.
Here is a quick list of things to remember on this new (but old, just more public) frontier.
Think before you respond.
By giving yourself time to think over your response - you can avoid several errors that happen, have happened, and will happen to many of us that rush through responses.
You can absorb what you are responding to and make a clear, concise response.
Read it once, Read it twice, and Read it again.
It has happen to the best of us at the worst possible time.
We are rushing to post something and either autocorrect strikes, or we key in the wrong word or a grammatical error changes the whole context (and sometimes subtext) of the intended message.
In some cases as with Facebook's new edit feature, you can quickly correct your error.
However, on a platform such as Twitter- once you have sent it, it's there.
Your only option is to go back delete the tweet and repost again correctly.
I am sure you are thinking, "It's my life, it's my account..
my friends, family, etc will not shun me for making a typo.
" Your assessment is very accurate, but in today's society we don't just comment on our personal network's posts, we comment on company posts and product posts.
You don't want your raving review to be discarded because you added one to many t's to "better" or your sternly worded letter to be mocked, because you used the wrong punctuation mark.
Always take the time to read everything before you post.
You may not get the chance to do it later.
FACT CHECK THAT FACT CHECK! Always verify that your information comes from the source when it comes to getting anything off the internet especially social media.
Many people can change the way something was written to give the appearance it came from someone else.
In addition, Information also spreads very quickly on Social Media, make sure yours is factual.
You do not want to end up with egg on your face.
Unless the source is the source of origin, CHECK IT AGAIN! A lot of social media professionals including myself follow a golden rule that is used widely by many journalist.
"Trust no one's information but your own and even then verify every single fact - no matter how insignificant.
" If you don't want to hear about it later, don't put it up now.
We all love a good flirty photo, or dirty joke.
It is human nature to be preoccupied in public or privately with something that is considered taboo or naughty.
It is because of this it is also very easy to offend people on social media.
Being that everyone's opinion varies - the idea of what is racy, trashy, raunchy, rude, provocative, disgusting, etc is different for each person.
It is usually at this time where you will be attacked by opinions from every single direction.
Some will be funny; some will be not so funny.
Do not put yourself on the spot.
Lead a double (or triple) life.
Separate your personal life from your business life when it comes to social media.
This way there are no mistakes or inappropriate moments had.
This also means that if you decide to voice your opinion about something in the world of current events, it will reach the proper audience.
The best way to do this is to have two accounts, one for your business contacts (employer, business partners, and colleagues) and one for family & friends.
Some people sometimes go as far as getting a third strictly for their friends.
If it makes things easier for you, then having a triple life might keep you out of sticky situations.
Remember your Ideas and beliefs may not be the same as others.
On social media, many blurt their beliefs out and challenge others who do not share those same beliefs.
Sometimes it is safer to just avoid the topic all together and remove yourself when it comes up.
No matter if it is business, family or friends.
Sometimes the best answer is the one not given.
Know your audience.
If you choose to have your boss, your significant other, and your pastor on your account - Make sure you know to post things that are generally acceptable versus, posting something that will start World War 3.
Sometimes sending it one on one might be even funnier than trying to send it publicly.
If you want to post it and you have to think about "who might see it" or "Is this against the rules (if allowed to post at work)?" back away.
It is more than likely best shared privately around people you are sure will appreciate it.
These tips can make your time on Social Media and the Internet a lot less confusing and confrontational time.
If you have your own tips, please add them in the comments.
We are not quite there with the flying cars or houses that can rise above the smog as the "Jetsons" stated we would be, but we will eventually.
However, before we can entertain anything else, we need to learn how to survive Social Media.
Social Media has been around longer than many people care to pay attention.
It only gained attention when it was re-invented.
The rules swiftly changed as more people were introduced to the internet, and the capabilities of what you could do with it expanded as well.
Here is a quick list of things to remember on this new (but old, just more public) frontier.
Think before you respond.
By giving yourself time to think over your response - you can avoid several errors that happen, have happened, and will happen to many of us that rush through responses.
You can absorb what you are responding to and make a clear, concise response.
Read it once, Read it twice, and Read it again.
It has happen to the best of us at the worst possible time.
We are rushing to post something and either autocorrect strikes, or we key in the wrong word or a grammatical error changes the whole context (and sometimes subtext) of the intended message.
In some cases as with Facebook's new edit feature, you can quickly correct your error.
However, on a platform such as Twitter- once you have sent it, it's there.
Your only option is to go back delete the tweet and repost again correctly.
I am sure you are thinking, "It's my life, it's my account..
my friends, family, etc will not shun me for making a typo.
" Your assessment is very accurate, but in today's society we don't just comment on our personal network's posts, we comment on company posts and product posts.
You don't want your raving review to be discarded because you added one to many t's to "better" or your sternly worded letter to be mocked, because you used the wrong punctuation mark.
Always take the time to read everything before you post.
You may not get the chance to do it later.
FACT CHECK THAT FACT CHECK! Always verify that your information comes from the source when it comes to getting anything off the internet especially social media.
Many people can change the way something was written to give the appearance it came from someone else.
In addition, Information also spreads very quickly on Social Media, make sure yours is factual.
You do not want to end up with egg on your face.
Unless the source is the source of origin, CHECK IT AGAIN! A lot of social media professionals including myself follow a golden rule that is used widely by many journalist.
"Trust no one's information but your own and even then verify every single fact - no matter how insignificant.
" If you don't want to hear about it later, don't put it up now.
We all love a good flirty photo, or dirty joke.
It is human nature to be preoccupied in public or privately with something that is considered taboo or naughty.
It is because of this it is also very easy to offend people on social media.
Being that everyone's opinion varies - the idea of what is racy, trashy, raunchy, rude, provocative, disgusting, etc is different for each person.
It is usually at this time where you will be attacked by opinions from every single direction.
Some will be funny; some will be not so funny.
Do not put yourself on the spot.
Lead a double (or triple) life.
Separate your personal life from your business life when it comes to social media.
This way there are no mistakes or inappropriate moments had.
This also means that if you decide to voice your opinion about something in the world of current events, it will reach the proper audience.
The best way to do this is to have two accounts, one for your business contacts (employer, business partners, and colleagues) and one for family & friends.
Some people sometimes go as far as getting a third strictly for their friends.
If it makes things easier for you, then having a triple life might keep you out of sticky situations.
Remember your Ideas and beliefs may not be the same as others.
On social media, many blurt their beliefs out and challenge others who do not share those same beliefs.
Sometimes it is safer to just avoid the topic all together and remove yourself when it comes up.
No matter if it is business, family or friends.
Sometimes the best answer is the one not given.
Know your audience.
If you choose to have your boss, your significant other, and your pastor on your account - Make sure you know to post things that are generally acceptable versus, posting something that will start World War 3.
Sometimes sending it one on one might be even funnier than trying to send it publicly.
If you want to post it and you have to think about "who might see it" or "Is this against the rules (if allowed to post at work)?" back away.
It is more than likely best shared privately around people you are sure will appreciate it.
These tips can make your time on Social Media and the Internet a lot less confusing and confrontational time.
If you have your own tips, please add them in the comments.