Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with others, building your personal brand and promoting your business or ideas. However, it’s important to use social media effectively to reap its benefits.
Your online actions could seriously limit educational, personal or professional prospects in the future, i.e.,
a) What we post on social media can affect our reputation. Employers, educational institutions and even potential friends, romantic partners may look at our social media profiles to get a sense of who we are. If we post inappropriate or offensive content, it can harm our reputation and cause people to view us negatively.
b) Media platforms often collect and share personal information. If we post too much personal information, we could be putting ourselves at risk of identity theft, stalking or other privacy violations.
c) Posting illegal content, such as copyrighted material or defamatory statements, can result in legal action being taken against us.
d) Our social media presence can also impact our opportunities. For example, an employer may be less likely to hire someone who frequently posts negative or inappropriate content online. Conversely, someone who has a positive and professional online presence may be more likely to be considered for job opportunities.
Managing Friend Requests
- Add people that can add value to your life and work.
- Do not blindly accept friend requests just because you have common friends.
- Do a thorough profile check before sending and accepting friend requests.
- It is good to unfriend, block after scrutiny, as impulsive actions can have a negative impact on the connections.
- Never be in a hurry to add back people who unfriended you, for unless the differences are resolved, this cycle could repeat.
- It is impolite to initiate detailed conversations immediately upon being accepted. It is better to send a thank you note with a brief introduction about yourself.
- It is wise to accept requests that have a proper profile picture with self-written posts and not just random pictures and meaningless forwards.
- Do not resend the request immediately if it is kept on hold or deleted.
- Make meaningful connections while being alert and aware.
Managing Social Media Trolls/Wars
- Request relevant supporting information, before giving your opinion.
- Don’t start off a different conversation under someone else’s post.
- Do not get personal and create negativity.
- Discuss without extreme reactions.
- Keep the language simple and clean.
- Learn to back off when the conversation is going nowhere or is getting out of hand.
- It is okay to hold different viewpoints. Choose your battles carefully.
- Learn to respond after careful thought instead of reacting impulsively.
- Constructive arguments are thought provoking and can lead to great learnings.
- Stay away from social media, If you’re in a bad mood.
- Think of the result before doing anything.
Managing Online Affairs
- A simple “hi” from your side or from another person has the potential to change your life.
- Understand the difference between friends and acquaintances.
- If you have personal problems in your life, you might want to share them with a stranger, but this could sometimes lead to an affair.
- Loneliness can be a major reason for initiating close connections.
- It is good to know the implications of being in such situations before venturing into it.
- Exposure in the form of screenshots, photos, call recordings and intimate videos can be used for blackmail purposes.
- Your family life could get disturbed.
- Please seek guidance whenever and wherever needed.
- Do not pick up all chats, be discreet and stay alert.
- Do not get overly attached to online connections, as you may or may not get to have a real relationship with them.
- Do not share intimate, inappropriate pictures or force others to do so.
- Be practical and do not let emotions get the better of you.
- If you see a future and are eligible, be honest and true.
- Temptations would be everywhere; one must know how to cope better.
- If you wish to end an association, try to make it peaceful and less chaotic.
Reporting Abuse Online
Try and Report directly to social platforms as mentioned in this article and if the gravity of the situation is much then you should complain on the national cybercrime portal,
https://www.youtube.com/howyoutube works/policies/community-guidelines/
https://www.facebook.com/help/181495968648557
https://help.instagram.com/165828726894770/
https://help.instagram.com/165828726894770/
https://help.twitter.com/en/safety-and-security/report-abusive-behavior
https://faq.whatsapp.com/general/security-and-privacy/staying-safe-on-whatsapp
https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/article/safety-tips-resources
-Anil Rachamalla
