Social Media: What NOT To Do

What NOT To Do.

The world of social media has grown exponentially and doesn’t look close to stopping anytime soon. Social media used to be a place of creativity and expression, but that was a simpler time. Nowadays, everyone and their employer are on social media, raising limitations on what we should and shouldn’t be posting on our beloved Instagram. It may feel exasperating but here’s a list of five “no no’s” everyone should avoid across all social media platforms. 

People want to see the same post across three platforms. 

That’s a negative, ghost rider. And a ghost rider following is exactly what you’ll have if you partake in the annoying sport of cross-posting. No one wants to see the same post repeated. If they do, chances are they’ll stop following you on all three platforms and choose just one. Lesson learned: no cross-posting. Ever. 

Saying whatever’s on your mind. 

Let’s never forget, social media platforms are public. That means anything you say can and will be used against you. Think before tweeting a random thought or posting a compromising photo on Instagram. Even if you have your account set to private, nothing is private anymore (thank you screenshots). A good rule of thumb is if you’re confident you could show what you posted to your grandmother and your future employer, you’re good to post away!

Social media is your own therapist. 

Unfortunately, social media isn’t a place to practice your monologue for open mic night. Online rants are out, and conversation is in. Engagement is fundamental when posting regularly on social media. There’s a community out there, interact with it and listen as much as you want to be heard. There’s a balance of giving and take, finding it will make your experience on social media much more enjoyable. 

Retweeting and liking posts don’t count. 

If you think people aren’t looking at what other posts you’re sharing or favoriting, you’d be wrong. Your activity on social media matters. Engaging and interacting on social media is a great way to build a following and connect with others, but what you choose to re-post and like will follow you. Even if it wasn’t you who originally posted an idea, commenting or favoriting it automatically makes it associated with your personal brand, so be careful.

Politics are a light and fun subject.   

Ha! If only. Now, this doesn’t mean we don’t have a right to our own opinion. However, this does mean our opinion may not match those of another and nothing can heat up faster than a political debate. And let’s face it, on social media, no one wins. Regardless of what you’re posting, your politically-based thoughts can always be misconstrued by another so it’s always best to avoid it.