5 ways to avoid social media blunders
has some dos and don’ts for success with social media.
As much as I love/hate social media, I can’t imagine a world without NeighTwitBookInstaChat. I mean, what else would I do during long boring meetings?
But while social media platforms have become an essential part to most of our lives (nearly 90 per cent of Kiwis aged 15 years or older use social media), many of us are still not using it ‘‘correctly’’.
We all have our pet peeves about social media (who’s sick of seeing baby photos?), and sadly it’s all too common to hear stories about – or be subjected to – online bullying. So how can you avoid some of the most frequently made social media pitfalls?
DON’T POST DRUNKEN PHOTOS OF YOURSELF
Many employers and recruitment agencies use social media as a background check. Going out is fun, but posting incriminating photos of yourself on social media afterwards might come back to haunt you when it comes to your current job or any future employment. If your friend is the one posting the pictures, simply untag yourself.
DON’T POST TOO MANY PICTURES OF YOUR KIDS
We get that you’re proud that your baby said his first word aged seven weeks (it wasn’t; it was just a burp), but you don’t need to spam your friends’ timelines with photos and videos of your kids.
More and more parents are setting up private social media accounts that only select friends and family can view to give their kids more online privacy. It’s increasingly common, too, for parents to avoid posting pictures of their kids on social media altogether until they’re old enough to vet what goes online.
DON’T POST HOLIDAY SNAPS – UNTIL YOU GET HOME
Checking into the airport and telling the world that you’re ‘‘Heading to Bali for three weeks – can’t wait to get a tan!’’ is great if you’re trying to make people jealous, or attract opportunistic burglars. If you just have to tell the world, book a house-sitter too.
DON’T BE A BULLY
Online bullying is rife in New Zealand. Anyone thinking of hiding behind social media to post malicious comments or incriminating photos to bully other people should become familiar with the Harmful Digital Communications Act first.
If your children are on social media, regularly make sure both they and you feel comfortable about what they’re experiencing. If they are being bullied, don’t be afraid to get their school involved. If it’s you, don’t be afraid to block or report the troll to social media administrators. If that doesn’t help, report them to the police.
DO MOVE TO MORE FACE-TOFACE INTERACTION
Unlike some other social media platforms, Neighbourly.co.nz actively encourages neighbours and communities to first connect virtually then meet in real life over some common ground – their neighbourhood. Virtual relationships can serve a purpose, but face-to-face relationships are always much more sustaining.