DO’s and DON’Ts for a Positive Social Media Experience

If we’re going to be on social media, we’d better make it count. Because of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we’re connecting with old friends and making new ones every single day. It really can be a positive experience if we follow a few rules.

The Don’ts:

1. Don't be fake: Social media is like a smokescreen for people to hide behind. Be yourself. Your friends sent requests because they wanted to see the real you.

2. Don't believe everything you read: Consider the author of each post, article or blog you read—and read it carefully—before accepting information as truth.

3. Don't avoid other tasks: Hopping on Instagram for a few minutes is fun. Scrolling for an hour is a waste of time. Make sure your social media use isn’t stopping you from doing your daily tasks and responsibilities.

4. Don't be know-it-all: Stop acting like you know everything in your posts, comments and messages. Being arrogant won’t help you in any way. It will only annoy your friends.

The Do’s:

5. Do be selective: You don’t have to accept every friend request that comes your way. It’s okay to restrict your Facebook friends list to people you actually know and only follow Instagram accounts with pictures you actually want to see. Hey, your Twitter account can even be educational if you’ll just get choosy.

6. Do practice positivity: If you like a post, like it! Got an encouraging word to say? Go ahead and comment. Post a story, video or picture that will make people smile.

7. Do prefer face-to-face communication: For some relationships, the online conversation is enough. For others, social media should just be the starting point. Use your online connections to arrange meetings with close friends. Relationships grow best when they happen face to face. If all else fails, remember to ask yourself when posting, commenting or sending a message: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?