Social Networking 101 – A Lesson On Etiquette

Social networking Web sites basically help people establish new connections thus making their circles of Internet friends bigger. At times, even business relationships are created and fostered by such online networks. Nevertheless, they’re also introducing Web users to a number of notable etiquette concerns.

Unfortunately, some Web users still don’t know how to be courteous and respectful in this situation. Then again, who can blame them? Even now, some people still haven’t figured out the fundamentals of telephone, mobile phone and e-mail etiquette.

It is essentially up to you to acquaint yourself with the rudiments of good manners and right conduct, especially if you want to bump up your social poise on social networking sites. Here are some valuable tips to help you develop your online decorum.

Avoid Insulting People

If you ever feel the urge to insult someone, make an effort to pacify the impulse. Disgracing someone on social networking Web sites is not all right. The truth is that you’ll only make yourself appear immature and silly. In case someone attempts to harass you into participating in a spitting bout, your best option would be to simply ignore him or her.

Communications Should Be Moderate

Avoid going overboard when it comes to communicating with your online pals. People who incessantly send unimportant announcements like surveys, junk mail or quizzes are merely taking advantage of their friendships. You should only send bulletins about important news or topics, and nothing else. Keep in mind that sending out nonstop emails can be utterly annoying if you’re on the receiving end, and you certainly wouldn’t want your contacts to feel that way about you.

Don’t Mail Chain Letters

By no means should you use social networking sites to send chain letters. These are the ones that contain statements like “Send this to 20 friends or you’ll surely have bad luck for the next 20 years.” In case you receive one, simply ignore the message and delete it right away. No one really has time for such type of nonsense.

Maintain A Simple Profile

See to it that your profile is easy to navigate and read. Avoid weighing it down with large photos that take almost a lifetime to download. As an excellent alternative, you may use photo galleries offered by some social networking sites. This preferable option basically helps you trim down your photos to thumbnail sizes that can be enlarged by interested visitors.

Keep A Clean Profile

You don’t really have the means to know who’s checking your profile out. Therefore, it’s a terrific idea to avoid creating one that makes your visitors feel awkward or embarrassed. Unless, of course, if that’s what you want or if you’re sure that your friends are genuinely okay with it.

Choose Your Contacts

You should never put a person in a discomfited position. If you’re really not familiar with each other or have no friends in common, then stay away from random friend requests. Be picky about the contacts you add. In addition, don’t brazen a person out just because he or she doesn’t want to add you as a friend. Just shrug it off and invite other people that you actually know.

Be Subtle With Promotions

A lot of people currently utilize social networking sites to promote services, products, artists or other Web sites. If you’re also using your online profile to endorse something, try to be subtle with your efforts. Remember that a fine line really exists between harmless advertising and spam.