Etiquette for Social Networkers
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Last month, Martha Stewart gave an unintended lesson to all those who feel the need to blog or put post on social networking sites. Having attended a private fundraising function, she posted a photo of herself with a very gaunt looking Paul Newman, sparking rumours of his failing health.
Had she asked his permission to publish his picture?
The answer was no.
In years gone by, if we bothered to get the film in our cameras processed, we’d show the pictures to maybe a few people. With instant digital downloads, last nights drunken shanigans are available the next morning for all the world - or at least the 543 people you have listed as ‘friends’ on Facebook - to see.
It's not just pictures that can cause distress. My old friend's occupation is sensitive enough that to protect his anonymity he is not listed on the Electoral Register. He felt reasonably secure until someone put on their Friends Reunited profile that her children attended the same school as his. As with the Martha Stewart photo, the intent was innocent but the consequence serious.
Research commissioned by Orange has shown that two-thirds of us are frustrated and confused by social situations presented on social networking sites with embarrassing photos and unwanted 'pokes' and messages.
So what is the right thing to do? Debrett’s, the etiquette experts, have compiled five golden rules for ‘sociable' social networking.
Some sound good mannered advice to which I’d add:
The answer was no.
In years gone by, if we bothered to get the film in our cameras processed, we’d show the pictures to maybe a few people. With instant digital downloads, last nights drunken shanigans are available the next morning for all the world - or at least the 543 people you have listed as ‘friends’ on Facebook - to see.
It's not just pictures that can cause distress. My old friend's occupation is sensitive enough that to protect his anonymity he is not listed on the Electoral Register. He felt reasonably secure until someone put on their Friends Reunited profile that her children attended the same school as his. As with the Martha Stewart photo, the intent was innocent but the consequence serious.
Research commissioned by Orange has shown that two-thirds of us are frustrated and confused by social situations presented on social networking sites with embarrassing photos and unwanted 'pokes' and messages.
So what is the right thing to do? Debrett’s, the etiquette experts, have compiled five golden rules for ‘sociable' social networking.
- You don’t have to make friends with people you don’t know. It’s not a competition to see how many friends you can get. Think before you poke.
- Always wait 24 hours before accepting or removing someone as a friend. The delay will help you gather your thoughts.
- Birthdays, engagements and weddings are not ‘virtual’ events. Always send birthday cards or call your friends when there’s important news.
- Consider your friends’ feelings before posting pictures. Put yourself in their shoes before clicking ‘upload’.
- Think carefully about your profile picture - if you don’t want to see it in your local newspaper, don’t put it online.
Some sound good mannered advice to which I’d add:
- Avoid ‘drunk uploading’. What seems hilarious or the perfect revenge at 2am is guaranteed not to at 10am.
- Always wait 24 hours before responding to any contentious message or e-mail.
- And lastly, it's never a good idea to look up an old partner on Facebook five years after jilting them at the altar and ask them "So how’s it going?"
Here Is The Writer : Martin Gallagher
Martin Gallagher has never played for West Ham or England, nor had a number one hit single, but he has worked in the City for many years (for what that's worth). A life-long Londoner, he made the migration from east to west a few years back and is still trying to get used to the absence of fried chicken takeaways and the over abdundance of coffee shops. Martin is married, has two daughters, and is also interested in travelling, football and writing. He hopes to publish his first novel 'sometime in the future'.
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