Alright, we all know social media can be a bit of a wild ride. One minute you’re scrolling through cat memes, and the next, you’re caught in the middle of a heated debate over pineapple on pizza. So, what’s the deal with social media etiquette? It’s not just about knowing when to post or what hashtags to use. It’s about being respectful and creating a space that’s not… well, a dumpster fire.

I’m sure we’ve all had our “Oops, that didn’t go as planned” moments online. My personal “oops” involved posting a meme at 2 a.m. that I thought was funny but turned out to be… not so much. (It wasn’t even a meme. It was just an unflattering screenshot of me on a Zoom call. Yikes.)

Anyway, here’s the kicker: social media etiquette can make or break your online experience. And trust me, when you get it right, it feels like you’ve discovered the secret level in Mario Kart where no one’s throwing banana peels at you.

Why Social Media Etiquette Matters (And Why You Should Care)

Look, I get it. You’re just trying to share your cute dog photos and maybe shout out a local restaurant (Pete’s Hardware? Yep, I’ve spent way too much money there). But social media etiquette is bigger than that. It’s about making sure you don’t end up that person who’s always getting roasted in the comments.

So, let me paint you a picture. You’re online, minding your business, scrolling through Instagram when you spot a post that, well, rubs you the wrong way. Now, I’m not saying you have to agree with everything, but there’s a right way to handle it. Take a deep breath. Maybe even grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment). The point is: How you respond? That’s where social media etiquette kicks in.

I learned the hard way, too. One time, I responded to someone’s post in a totally snarky way—couldn’t have been worse if I tried. Long story short? I now remember to think twice before I type out anything that sounds like it came from a frustrated raccoon with a keyboard.

Build Trust, Not Drama

So here’s the thing about social media etiquette—it’s not just about avoiding fights. It’s about trust. If you’re the type who always chimes in with “lol no one cares” or “yikes, delete this,” yeah, you’re probably not building the best reputation.

Pro tip: Be the kind of person whose comments people look forward to reading. I’m not saying you have to write poetry, but a little kindness goes a long way. Think of it this way: People will keep coming back to your posts if they know they’re going to get some good vibes.

Fun fact: A neighbor of mine, Tina, swears her kale patch cured her Zoom fatigue. I mean, I’d argue that the fresh air helps, but hey, it’s Tina’s truth. And that’s the kind of energy we should bring to online spaces—respect and openness, not some weird, passive-aggressive remark.

Respect Privacy. Seriously.

Look, I don’t need to be your therapist, but it’s crucial to respect privacy online. Posting someone else’s embarrassing moment without their permission? Not cool. I learned that lesson back in high school when a friend posted a very unflattering video of me singing (badly) at a school talent show. It’s still on the internet, I’m sure, somewhere in the depths of my awkward teenage years.

If you’re thinking of sharing something about someone else, just ask. A simple “Hey, is it cool if I share this?” will go a long way. And, honestly, the same goes for photos. Whether it’s a pic from a birthday or something else, respecting privacy is part of good social media etiquette.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media Etiquette

Let’s get to the good stuff—the social media etiquette tips you can take to the bank (or at least to your next post). These do’s and don’ts? Trust me, they’ll save you from some serious online cringe.

Do’s

• Be Authentic: I know, I know. Everyone says it, but hear me out. Being yourself online is way more fun than trying to be the perfect influencer. I tried it once, and my first herb garden died faster than my 2020 sourdough starter—RIP, Gary.
• Engage with Respect: When someone shares something personal or meaningful, don’t just drop a “cool” and move on. Take a second to write something thoughtful. Even a “That’s awesome! You’re doing great!” can mean the world to someone.
• Give Credit Where It’s Due: If you’re sharing someone’s work or even an idea, credit them. Don’t just copy-paste someone’s meme. Just don’t. (I know, you’re laughing, but it happens.)
• Respond Timely: I get it—life’s busy. But when someone takes the time to comment or message you, show them the same courtesy. I mean, a little acknowledgment never hurt anyone.

Don’ts

• Don’t Feed the Trolls: Seriously, y’all. Ignore them. The trolls live for your responses, so just let ‘em be. (And if you’ve ever gotten into a Facebook comment war about the best pizza topping—don’t lie, I know you have—well, maybe it’s time to step away.)
• Don’t Spam: Ever. We’ve all been there—one person who posts five things in a row or sends out 15 group messages. That’s not social media etiquette, that’s a red flag.
• Don’t Post Fake News: Fact-check. And then fact-check again. Seriously. If you’ve ever passed along a viral “news story” without checking, you’re not alone. I did it once and had to apologize to, like, half of my friends. “Sorry, turns out that wasn’t true, I swear I’ll fact-check next time.”

A Little Empathy Goes a Long Way

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that the key to social media etiquette is empathy. Think about it: You don’t know what someone’s dealing with behind the screen. That meme you think is hilarious might not be received that way. And that’s okay!

Be Compassionate: So, if someone posts about a bad day or a personal struggle, don’t just ignore it. A simple “Hey, I hope things get better soon” goes a long way. In fact, Tina from next door says that her online connections helped her through a rough patch last year. So maybe the internet isn’t all bad.

Be Aware of Cultural Differences

It’s easy to forget that not everyone sees the world the same way. That meme you thought was hilarious? It might be offensive to someone else from a different cultural background. If you’re unsure, maybe don’t post it.

• Respect Different Perspectives: I mean, if you’re like me, you’ve definitely learned this the hard way. I once posted something about Thanksgiving in the U.S., not realizing it might come across as tone-deaf to someone outside the country. Now I’m super careful to check my tone and understanding.

Fun fact: Did you know the Victorians believed that talking to ferns could prevent madness? I think I’ll try it, considering how 2020 went…

Handling Criticism the Right Way

Criticism is a part of life, and yes, you’ll probably get it online. But hey, it’s all in how you respond.

• Don’t Take It Personally: Yeah, easier said than done, right? But really, if someone doesn’t agree with you, it’s not the end of the world.
• Keep It Cool: If you need to respond, don’t get defensive. I mean, you’re not trying to win an argument on Facebook. You’re just trying to exist, right?

Alright, so that’s your crash course in social media etiquette—and trust me, it’s all about respect. Take a beat before you post, engage in positive ways, and, above all, be kind. If you do, you’ll notice your online experience changing for the better.

Now go ahead, post that pic of your dog, or that recipe you’ve been dying to share. Just keep the social media etiquette in mind, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll avoid your next awkward online moment.