If you want to know how to ruin your online reputation, or just want to be a jerk, follow these 10 easy steps!
1. Immediately Voice Frustration and Anger
One of the worst things you can do is vocalize your frustration and anger in the heat of the moment. Take a few minutes, maybe even hours, and re-evaluate what you were about to broadcast to everyone. Nobody wants to know that guy shouting at someone in Walmart.
2. Only Talk About Yourself
Social media is about community. From Facebook to blog comments, it’s not about you, it’s about everyone.
3. Share Everything
Everything you’ve written, read and seen on the internet doesn’t need to be feed to your followers and friends.
4. Criticize & Condemn
Don’t be foolish! There is a fine line between being overly critical or criticizing in general, and being helpful. Let Proverbs be your guide:
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. – Proverbs 9:7-9 (ESV)
“God Hates F–s” <– Don’t be that guy.
5. Spew Politics
Have you ever met someone who changed their political view based on a bumper sticker? The same goes for Social Media. Unless you’re posting on a political blog, be careful how much you spew your politics. More than likely, you’re not friends on Facebook or being followed on Twitter because you’re a political talking-head.
6. Embarrass Friends and Family
The next time you want to Tweet, Facebook or post to your blog about something a family member, friend or co-worker said or did, ask them first. Just because you think it’s funny or clever, doesn’t mean they feel the same way. Whenever in doubt, ask.
7. Act Like You’re Perfect
Your life isn’t perfect, and although we all support rejoicing in the Lord always, there’s no reason you should be telling everyone all the time. Don’t be a Debbie Downer, either. Being “real” and “authentic” online is a good, just be careful about rule number one.
8. Be the Police
“You said a bad word! Tsk-tsk”. “You misspeleed misspelled”. “Drinking that Instagram beer will send you to hell!” Be careful with this one. I appreciate readers pointing out mistakes; however, when it comes to something with a shorter life span, like Social Media – Twitter and Facebook – just let it go. Nobody wants to be that person who’s always correcting grammar in the middle of a conversation.
9. Talk Over Heads
This is also known as: Being a know-it-all. I support being intelligent, but I support effective communication even more.
10. Ignore People
Somebody took the time to mention you, write on your wall, or comment on your post. Treat them like a human being, and respond.
Who Me?
We’ve all done at least one of these. I’m pretty sure I’ve done at all of them at least once, before, and I’m sure I’ll repeat these mistakes a few more times.
Hopefully this guide will help to keep us from ruining our online reputations.
As ambassadors of Christ, we owe it to Him.
[Image via joshfassbind.com]
Jason says
Rarely do I see a top 10 list like this posted somewhere and find myself saying “yep” ten times. Great list.
Eric Dye says
You’re among friends 😉
Timmy says
I don’t want to give the impression that I am perfect, but #7 should be “You’re” instead of “Your”…
(winky smiley face)
Timmy says
Good article, by the way. Thank you!
Eric Dye says
Thanks for reading!
Eric Dye says
LOL! Thanks, Dude.
Marcus Williamson says
I’d say 2 and 3 are things that I know fo sho I’m guilty of.
Eric Dye says
Of course, that shouldn’t stop you from tweeting this post – LOL! #ironic
Marcus Williamson says
Done did it 🙂
Eric Dye says
You’re awesome, Marcus. I always look forward to reading your comments when I see you’ve left one.
Keep rockin’!
Anna says
Great list! Sounds like a lot of people I know. I’ll be sharing this around. But just a tip, it’s “you’re” not “your” in “Act like your perfect.”
Eric Dye says
Thanks 😉
Rachel says
Great post and some excellent pointers for all of us social media junkies to keep in mind!
Eric Dye says
Thanks!
Stuart says
Funny thing is I find that by far the vast majority of social networking folks fall into 2, 3 and 10.
Or is that just the folks that follow me on Twitter? I took stock of just one day of tweets and of the 2 doz+ I replied to / interacted with I got one reply and that amazingly from someone world famous in his trade. So if he can take the time to reply, then why not the others?
The other amazing aspect to me at least of my takink stock day was that the on ethat replied was non-christian the rest were! What does that say about being in the world but not of it? ANd taking the message to … well you get my point.
I’ll get my coat now.
Eric Dye says
That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Calvin Koepke says
Good post dude 😉
Eric Dye says
Thanks 😀