The Do's and Don'ts on Social Media

The Do's And Don'ts On Social Media

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we all know that social networking websites are "the in thing" and a part of our daily lives. The greatest way to interact with people all over the world. Social networks have allowed access and reach to people worldwide eliminating any boarder that ever existed. If you have been to my previous post you will remember I talked about using social media as our diaries. Well imagine the whole world is reading your diary because that is what it really is lately.


According to Jeff Bullas a social media expert, 35% of adults on the internet have one account on social networking site and 51% have more than one. Now what is important is the content that you are sharing on these networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace and Intragram etc. Social networking sites are really for the purpose of connecting with people of with - minded interests, or making plans, keeping up with friends and make new friends. However those have been redefine the use of social networks. People vent, insult, bully and over share on these social sites.



Photo of people using drugs

Young girls drunk and passed out

      


Below are a few things which I think we shouldn't be sharing on Social Networks. DO NOT:

Share confidential information like your home address or passwords any of your sites, for your own security reasons.
Share nude photos, pictures of your credit card, ID or passport.
Share anything that "happened in Vegas."
Share content such as this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
Post illegal activities – photos of you smoking dagga or any form of drugs.
Post any bullying or hurtful messages about other people.
Never post anything you don’t want your colleagues or boss to know about.
You never post company information or projects unless it’s part of your job description to do so.
Threaten violence on social websites.
Never post emotional or deepest thoughts like race, religion or politics.
Drama with partner, parents or friends.
Dates of when you are going on holiday and where.
If you are a student click on http://mashable.com/2012/09/04/students-social-media-warnings/ for some of student DON’TS
If you are a person who loves reading Jeff Bullas has book out called "Blogging The Smart Way" it’s on the Best Seller List" on Amazon it really has some helpful tips on the do’s and don’ts on social media.
 

Again some people have their social and professional accounts linked to another. You might want to reconsider that. Just to prevent any mishap that might happen. You don’t want potential employers, colleagues and clients seeing what you get up to on weekends. Your Facebook or Twitter account should not be linked to your LinkedIn page. Refrain from posting mean things about people on your social network as you can also be sued for defamation. It is important that you understand that anything you do or say on the internet is being recorded even if you delete it.

My personal tip- Google yourself every now then and see what appears under your name. Manage your reputation be conscious about what you put out there. Until my next post, do come and chill with me by my possie.
Yours Kindly Noks :-)     

　

Social Media Can Make or Break Us

Social Media, Can Make Or Break Us  - Ask Oscar

   

Ever wonder if Oscar Pistorius has a Public Relations person in his camp to help him manage or maintain what was once a Sport hero, an icon and a role model reputation? Well the little that is left of it? People are having Oscar and his trial for breakfast, lunch and supper on social networks. Whether is Twitter or Facebook and even Instagram he is being chowed alive in what I call "Social Mediaville"

You somehow almost feel sorry the guy because he has no control over this. This couldn't have happened at the worst time. In this day an age where we all have access to anyone, anywhere with no boundaries, no rulebook or even guidelines this is a track full of hurdles for the Paralympic athlete.

A screenshot of a photo from twitter 

It is almost a mockery of him and the predicament he finds himself in. I mean people can tweet, inbox, Facebook or post photos of him, the trial or Reeva and even tag him saying as they wish. What I’ve realized about us is that we have Zero Chill on social networks. People say what they want, to whom they want and when they want just because they are behind a computer screen or cellphone. 

I visited Oscar's Twitter page and I was shocked at what people are saying. People have No Chill at all. Here are some the tweets that I picked up on. https://twitter.com/mitchcompton/status/303839757643956225  or check https://twitter.com/samkelondlovu/status454237806647590912 and she is a local actress. Even local celebrities are taking part on this. 

I also visited Reeva Steenkamp’s Instagram page and man I have to say again No Chill What-so-ver. Check the comments under a photo Reeva posted of Oscar in happier times. I mean who says that? http://instagram.com/p/UBZZG0wPV5/ 

Screenshot of latest posts by Oscar on Twitter

It is also so interesting to see Oscar’s twitter timeline. From when I last checked he last tweeted on 13 February 2013 just before the shooting incident and then stared tweeting again on the anniversary of the incident which is 14 February 2014. What I find interesting is that he is now tweeting positive and hopeful messages about God and life showing sympathy and a soft and gentle side to him. Could it be that that Mr Pistorius was advised by a PR Practitioner to start what I call “The OP Sympathy Campaign” following that the verdict is about to be handed to him? Maybe trying to convince the judge and the public?

I mean its quiet a strategy to keep quiet and go MIA(missing in action) just to resurface a year later on a different gentle tone. The best part is that he uses Social Media the same platform people have used to attack him. He flips it around and communicates back to the same people but in a different tone. He sets the agenda to what he wants to talk about on his social network as he only retweets positive messages from people who wish him well. He now tries to control the situation. Tell me that not PR?

Oscar's Twitter Timeline 

Here is what I have to say though, while we focus on Oscar and are eager to voice out how we feel about him or any other subject. What are we saying about ourselves? What kind of people are we portraying to be?  Social networks are not diaries. Just because it says “What is on your mind” doesn't mean you literally have to go out and speak your mind. Share but do not over share. If you wont say it to someone's face then you don't say it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Are you one of the people who have said something to Oscar? What have you said? Can a future employer employ you based on what you have said on social networks? Do hit me up and tell me.

Remember what you post on social sites is part of building your reputation, so lets think before we post, till my next post- be good.

Yours Kindly Noks J