Hello there, fellow netizen! Are you new to social media? Or are you an experienced user looking for a refresher on online etiquette? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of social media etiquette that will help you navigate the online world safely and respectfully.

Dos: 👍

Do Be Respectful 👀

When interacting with others online, always remember to be respectful. Your words can have a huge impact on someone’s life, even if you’re only communicating online. Be mindful of your tone and try to avoid any language that may be perceived as disrespectful or aggressive.

A person demonstrating respectful behaviour online

Do Protect Your Privacy 🕵️‍♂️

Your privacy is important, so make sure you’re protecting it online. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your home address or phone number, and set your social media profiles to private. Remember that once you put something online, it’s there forever.

A person holding a lock as a symbol of protecting their privacy

Do Engage with Your Audience 🔥

Social media is all about engaging with your audience, so don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or opinions. Respond to comments and messages, and make sure to thank your followers for their support. By engaging with your audience, you’ll build a strong community of loyal followers.

A person with a microphone in front of a crowd, representing audience engagement

Do Learn from Others 📚

Social media is a great place to learn from others. Follow people in your field or industry, and learn from their experiences. Watch tutorials, read blog posts, and attend webinars to expand your knowledge and skillset.

A person holding a book, representing learning from others

Do Use Appropriate Hashtags 📢

Hashtags are an important tool for discovery on social media. Use appropriate hashtags to reach a wider audience, but don’t overuse them. Follow hashtag etiquette and make sure your hashtags are relevant to your post.

A person holding a sign that reads #Hashtags to represent the use of appropriate hashtags

Don’ts: 👎

Don’t Share Too Much Personal Information 🙅‍♂️

While it’s important to engage with your audience, don’t share too much personal information. Announcing that you’re on a holiday may leave your house vulnerable to break-ins. Remember, once it’s out there, it’s out for good.

A person standing in front of a billboard with their personal information crossed out

Don’t Engage in Online Arguments 🤬

Avoid online arguments at all costs. You may find yourself in a back-and-forth that only leads to stress and negativity. If someone is angry or confrontational with you, try to defuse the situation instead of escalating it.

A person with a shield to represent avoiding online arguments

Don’t Post Offensive Content 😡

It may seem like common sense, but offending or hurting someone online is never okay. Refrain from posting content that could be perceived as offensive. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid it.

A person holding a "No" sign to represent avoiding offensive content

Don’t Overpromote Yourself 📣

Social media isn’t just a promotional tool for your brand or business. Avoid overpromoting yourself and focus on creating valuable content that your audience will appreciate. Nobody likes to be overwhelmed by constant advertising.

A person with a megaphone, representing overpromotion of oneself

Don’t Feed the Trolls 👿

Trolls are everywhere on social media, and they’re notorious for being rude and aggressive. Don’t feed the trolls by responding to their comments or engaging in an argument. Simply ignore them, and they’ll eventually move on.

A person sitting on a bench, ignoring a small, goblin-like troll

Conclusion: 🎉

We hope you found this guide to be helpful! With these basic dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll be able to make the most of your social media experience without offending others or compromising your privacy. Social media is a powerful tool, so use it wisely.

A group of people standing in front of a computer, representing social media usage