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How to keep it classy on social media
If you’re a social media maven, like I am (haha look at me making myself sound cool and important), you would know that there are do’s and don’ts when it comes to posting to The Gram or Facebook. I mean, if you want to stay in the safe zone.
With that said, you could totally post a whole bunch of opinionated, subliminal updates, with the sole intention of ruffling feathers, and, you know, trying to rub your ex boyfriend’s new girlfriend the wrong way. If that’s your jam, I totally get it.
Me, I am not that person, yo. I keep it safe and I try not to start a huge debate on my personal social media platforms. Mainly because those debates get out of control and I just don’t have the time to moderate people’s comments. And, to be honest you guys, at the end of the day, no one’s really listening to anyone else anyways. It’s like a sibling squabble – there is literally no point to it.
In my many, many years (haha look at me trying to make myself sound experienced) of using social media (Myspace users – hollar!) I’ve found that there are five basic ways to keep your heart clean, and not get yourself into trouble, when sharing info and commenting on any of these platforms.
I call it my “how to keep it classy on social media” check list. You are welcome to call it “Luchae’s I’m-too-lazy-to-get-into-a-fight-that-I-won’t-win check list” … to each their own.
1. No one cares
I often remind myself that no one really cares, well, for the most part. This mindset helps when I spot a post with a gazillion comments all opposing what I believe. I mean, my little rant on the gazillion-commented post will probably have half the commentators laughing at me and the other half rolling their eyes. Kinda not the best way to reach out to people, right? If I really want to share my thoughts on a topic, I could simply start a conversation offline OR have a face to face conversation, you know, like how our grandparents did back in the day. If you have a relationship with the person, it should make it easy for you to address certain topics offline. Why do it where the world can see?2. The mute button is a real thing
If someone is constantly trying to berate or belittle me via their subliminal updates, I simply unfollow their posts on Facebook, or mute them on Insta or Whatsapp stories. No passive aggressive behavior needs to be unleashed, Stephanie Forester. I mean, clearly, this person has an issue and when I retaliate, I give them ammunition and probably make them feel as if their rude posts are actually getting them results. Henceforth: No results from me, because I didn’t even see what you said, Martha. Also, I get to keep my heart clean, because not reading your posts means I don’t get upset.3. I don’t angry post
If I’m upset with my Hubstopher (or anyone else for that matter, but I mean, let’s be honest, he’s a pretty good example) I don’t angry tweet/update because chances are that anger will eventually blow over, but alas, the whole world would now know about it. I mean, I get it, people need to KNOW what a terrible person so-and-so is. And also, sure, having a mature face-to-face conversation just doesn’t cut as deep as posting it to social media. I’m just like, what’s the point man, Helen Zille? What’s the point? Will I get the results I want/need? Probably not. Keep it classy.4. I ignore
If someone comments something really stinky on one of my updates or photos, I simply delete it or I just refuse to reply. Again, same concept applies: they don’t care what I have to say anyways. If I have a real relationship with the poster, I could take the convo offline… you know, where no ego will come into play. It’s crazy how having an audience can change the tone and manner in which we address each other. So yes, replying to a stinky comment online opens the door for those pointless online debates that pretty much serve as nothing more than entertainment for those people who don’t have work to do on a Friday afternoon. Ignore the trolls. Steer clear of the drama.5. I don’t invite you to play games
Luchae Williams has invited you to play Candy Forest Bonanza!
Luchae Williams wants you to send her a life on Candy Forest Bonanza!
No. Just no.So those are the few ways I try to curb my enthusiasm when I feel myself getting riled up, while scrolling through social media. There’s a scripture that goes: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.” This certainly helps me to weed out what I respond to on my personal social. I mean, the stuff that makes me feel “argh” inside deserves to be ignored. It’s another reason why I love this website… it has become a way for me to share my thoughts in a safe space, knowing that the people reading it have chosen to opt in.
Do you have a stance when it comes to what you tolerate on social media? Share them with us below.
Disclaimer: If you enjoy stirring the pot online then go for gold Donald. It’s your profile and you can shake things up if you want to. I’m not saying my way is the right way, but I AM saying that my way is the right way FOR ME. Shalom.
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#ECMeetUp: We came, we saw, we ate mini cupcakes
Our 2nd #ECMeetUp for 2016 (lovingly referred to as “the mini meet”) took place this past Saturday at The Athenaeum. We called it a mini meet because we weren’t up to pulling off another massive meet, with all the frills and bows, as per the last time. In our heads (well, in Elles head and in my spreadsheet brain) we planned a small get together, with little brand involvement. But our friends over at Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism decided to blow our minds and we ended up having a semi-mini-meet of sorts that resembled a regular major meet! -
Should I friend my work colleagues
Social media has added yet another layer of relationship dynamic for us to manage. (Thanks a lot Mark Zuckerburg) The popularity of certain sites has created a portal for just about anyone to “friend”, well, just about anyone else. And with app’s constantly prompting you to share your location or milestones or photo’s, I often find myself treading on the barrier between privacy and stupidity. I mean, why would I want anyone to know my street address? If you recall someone once took all my info and pretended to be me. It was especially fun. But it got me to thinking: Should I friend my work colleagues on social media?
These sites have opened a door that is normally kept shut. This open door may find you begrudgingly accepting your boss or work colleague’s “friend request” on Facebook. It creates this grey area where exposing your personal life to your professional acquaintances has to weigh against the opportunity to build on your relationship with them. What to do, what to do…
Whatever your choice or reason, mixing work relationships with social media has it’s pros and cons. For starters, I am able to celebrate success and wins more publically with my work team on social media. But that would mean that my boss gets to see photo’s of my grandmother’s 80th birthday party. Is it worth it? Work place politics can sometimes be worsened when employees have instant access to each other’s personal lives and opinions. Sharing that funny, disparaging pic or commenting on that derogatory post could be offensive and potentially harmful to the way your co-worker’s view you.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that your posts can be used against you in court. If your company deems your Facebook or Twitter posts to be harmful to the company’s image, it could result in your dismissal. If your posts are harmful to the business of your employer, they can do something about it. Yes, this includes those “I hate my job so much right now” posts.The legality around the weight of your social media posts will also get you into trouble if you’re that guy who calls in sick on Monday morning and then posts a dismal looking selfie with the caption “so hungover right now”. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure that one out. But, with that said, employers will also need to tread lightly as far as allegations are concerned. I mean, a picture taken from a balcony of a (far away) beachfront does not mean that your employee has been lying on the beach, sipping pina colada’s. One would hope that common sense will prevail.
With that said, there is the wonderful prospect of being able to connect with each other on a more personal level. On some occasion, it’s great to know where someone is coming from or what they are going through in order to help understand them better.
“Well, is there a middle ground?!!” I hear you cry. Settle down. Yes there is. Let me tell you about it. It’s called ‘privacy settings’ and Facebook, in particular, has introduced a bunch of these privacy controls that would allow you to add people to specific groups and then decide which of your posts they are able to see. There is a very informative article on Techlicious about it.
So there you have it. At the end of the day though, nothing beats actual human conversation. You know, the one where we use our mouths to communicate (instead of our fingers). Maybe the answer to these modern day problems lies in our lack of face to face communication, more than our lack of privacy settings. Something to think about!
For more info on social media vs labour law check out this interesting article I found on News24.
