Show discretion when engaging with social media
MODERN technology is a life-enhancing thing. But it does get some users into a host of trouble.
Apart from the explicitly racist comments that frequently appear, many writers are blasted for comments or tweets left open to misinterpretation.
And it is not just ordinary folk who battle these waters. Tweet-happy President Trump and his team are prone to social media faux pas, whether failing to spell-check “unpresidented”, or agreeing with articles on satirical news site The Onion without realising they’re spoofs.
Meanwhile, crooner James Blunt, author J K Rowling and footballer Wayne Rooney and more locally our own Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula, have been hailed for their witty taming of Twitter trolls.
It’s such a minefield that perhaps some commandments for midlifers trying to navigate social media are necessary. Here are 10:
Thou shalt not become a food bore
Posting occasional photos of your impressive slow-cooked stew or Master Chef-worthy cake on Facebook or Instagram is fine, if a tad show-offy, especially if you’ve “accidentally” edged a Wüsthof knife or Le Creuset dish into shot. Tedious conversations with your partner about what you’re having for supper should be restricted to texts, where nobody else can see you’ve got “a glut of aubergines that need using up”.
Thou shalt not get into political arguments
Express an opinion about a politician and words like “fascist” or “racist” will be flung around. Venture your views and before you know it, everyone’s calling each other names. You’ll never win, it could turn nasty and to the casual observer, you come over as an over-opinionated idiot.
Thou shalt not be a humble bragger
Attempting to self-deprecatingly undercut your trip to the theatre with “Thought we’d get off the sofa and swap the box set for something more highbrow lol” doesn’t work. We know full well you’re still boasting. Don’t even get us started on the running and cycling brigade.
Thou shalt double-check the recipient list
The equivalent of accidentally hitting “reply all” on an email. So when you’re date-wrangling over a villa-sharing holiday, confirm who’s on the “to” list before you unintentionally slate someone’s husband in public for being an “idiot”.
Thou shalt use hashtags and emojis sparingly
You’re not 12.
Thou shalt beware of cut-andpaste
A bungle was recently made by White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who accidentally tweeted “n9y25ah7”, which is almost certainly his password to something important.
Thou shalt not use social media for family domestics
Sniping at your spouse on Twitter (“Busy, are we?”) or making subtle digs about your children being “too busy gallivanting to visit” on Facebook isn’t a good look. It’s also what talking on the telephone is for. Remember that?
Thou shalt not use social media as a search engine
Can anyone recommend a good hotel or tradesman? Is the train strike still on? What’s the weather going to be like this weekend? Google it.
Thou shalt not be a whingebag
Cryptic posts of the “Some people aren’t worthy of a place in your heart” variety. Moans about failed parcel deliveries. Rants about other drivers cutting you up or shoddy customer service… Save them for friends and family, rather than inflicting it on distant acquaintances.
Thou shalt put thy phone down
We’ve all rolled our eyes at the party guest tapping away to strangers while ignoring those actually in the room. Be present, be polite and put the pesky mobile away. — The Daily Telegraph, with additional reporting by DDR