In this day and age, where everyone is at home spending time on the internet, we can utilize some tips on how to use social media more responsibly. For us who have children who already have social media accounts, this article is meant to be shared with them as well. As parents or responsible adults, it would be nice for us to be models in applying these tips too. Let’s delve into them one by one.
The “Frontyard Test”
If you do not want your post to be read by any of your neighbors, your employers, or your teachers, do not post it. Consider your front yard as your social media feed. Everything you put on it becomes public. The test is simple. Any post, picture, or comment, that can embarrass you or others, should not go online. Plain and simple.
Be mindful of how you are feeling
Like I mentioned earlier when everyone is on the internet and sharing all kinds of opinions, it is easy to get involved. Resist being part of any drama. Try to be as level-headed as much as possible. I don’t find anything wrong debating certain political issues. Or maybe, sticking up for a friend. However, we must remember to do so respectfully. Do not react only with pure emotions. Weigh in all sides before posting a comment or responding to a post. An old saying goes, “How beautiful it is to stay silent when everyone expects you to be enraged.”
Do not overshare
It can be fun to “check-in” to different places or share pictures of our various activities but knowing when and how to use social media responsibly has a lot to do with not oversharing. While it comes down to a big safety concern, it is also about setting boundaries and protecting your information. I don’t mean for us to be secretive in what we do. We just have to choose what to share because not everyone needs to know. Not all people need to know every emotion or every dish we are eating because not every detail of our life is fascinating enough for others to be aware of.
The internet does not forget
Facebook memories have been a nightmare for some of us, including me. Whenever I am reminded of the kind of posts I have done 3, 5, or even 8 years ago, I can’t help but feel the cringe of embarrassment. The internet never forgets. And it will haunt us one way or the other. Hence, always better to be safe than sorry.
Add your parents as friends
When you have carefully followed the first 4 tips, it will not be an issue to have your parents as your social media friends. It sounds awful, I know. However, our parents or any responsible adult can help us with accountability and responsible use of social media. These people will hopefully, call us out whenever we post something we should not have. They can even help us to resolve other struggles we are going through which does not have to reach social media.
Time is gold
So, there you have it. These are just very simple stuff that can guide us through the responsible usage of social media. Let us be mindful of our time as it can be easily sucked away without us even knowing. Pick up a book or go for a walk too. These can also help us refocus and come back revitalized.
