Social Networking Etiquette
Social networking sites are used and visited by millions of people daily. In April 2009, Facebook reached 200 million active users. According to Shelly Palmer, consultant and host of MediaBytes, a 2008 study by CareerBuilder.com shows one in five employers research applicants' social networking sites. One in three employers has turned down an applicant based on this research. As you use social networking sites, certain etiquette rules must be applied.
Other People Are Reading
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Judged by the Company You Keep
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While you may be tempted to send friend requests through your e-mail address book or accept every request to come your way, be selective. When sending a friend request, introduce yourself or your connection. If someone you do not know sends you a request, you may leave the request pending rather than rejecting outright. Be aware of material posted by people in your network. If one of your "friends" is posting racial slurs or inappropriate material, you may need to cut your ties.
Business vs. Pleasure
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Use a separate site or application for business vs. social use. You may adjust privacy settings on certain sites to customize who has access to photos or posts but others may still be able to access your information. Sites such as LinkedIn are viewed as more professional and better suited for business networking.
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Think Before You Post
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Do not post any incriminating photos or inappropriate comments you wouldn't want your mother or boss to see. The Internet does not provide an expectation of privacy. Use the standard of common courtesy when communicating with others or posting comments. Avoid uploading or tagging (identifying) people in unflattering photos. Do not publicize a private conversation on a wall post or as a Twitter feed.
Aliases Should be Outlawed
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Social media consultant Tamar Weinberg discourages users from adopting an alias or fake identity. Shelly Palmer, author and host of MediaBytes, notes use of a false identity can backfire if just one person finds out. If you are reluctant to post under your actual name, don't post.
Fan Pages
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Avoid using social networking sites or applications solely to promote your business or projects. Do not use sites such as Twitter to send spam or materials others may not want to receive. Similarly, avoid asking friends to resend or "retweet" information about your personal projects, especially via instant message or email. Use a Fan Page to promote your project or business.
Pillow Fights, Mafia Wars and Other Games
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While some may derive enjoyment from games played on social networking sites, others may not share their zeal. Avoid "spamming" your friends with invitations to join applications. Similarly, use discrimination when sending group invitation requests. Sure, your hometown friends may be interested in a reunion group. Others will not.
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