I ran across an article this morning on HubSpot about social media etiquette that was rather timely, as it was just last night that I had noted how rude, catty, and downright vicious some of the tweets were that I saw rolling across my feed. While in this case these bully tactics were on the part of one individual who is, interestingly enough, a seemingly well respected “mommy blogger”, I find that, as a generalization, people often lose their moral and ethical compasses when they step out onto the Web. Hiding behind a computer  seems to give some people the courage to do and say things that they would never dream of repeating in real life.

While one would think it goes unsaid,  it is important to reiterate that the rules of etiquette that apply in face-to-face conversation and interaction are the same rules of etiquette that apply when navigating the social web.

HubSpot  outlined a few simple reminders that we should all take into consideration when engaging on the Web.

• Etiquette matters.

While social media is certainly the place to have real conversations free of corporate jargon and PR-esque overtones, it is not the place to be impolite, uncaring, rude, bossy, aggressive, or self-serving without considering the long-term consequences. And while some may argue that they aren’t on these platforms to represent a brand and therefore anything goes, I would argue that we all have a personal brand to protect. Integrity rules, no matter where you are. Remember the Golden Rule; treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

• Conversation matters.

Developing relationships and engaging with others is the greatest benefit of participating on the social web. No one likes that guy at a party who can’t stop talking about himself, and no one likes that guy in social media either. While the sharing of information is important and often a primary corporate objective when delving into this space, too much of a good thing can be, well, a bad thing. Ask more questions, respond to others, participate, be helpful, be kind. Don’t overwhelm others by shoving your credentials and accolades down their throats - modesty reigns.

• Connections matter.

It’s not a matter of “collecting” friends or fans or followers.  It’s important to surround yourself with individuals of a like mind, who are interested in what you have to say and whom you are interested in learning from and interacting with. I read recently that it’s better to have 50 friends in a social network who hang on your every word than 5 million who couldn’t pick out your avatar in a crowd. I couldn’t agree more.

• Love conquers all.

Above all, speak from you heart about the things that matter to you; avoid trying to be someone you are not. Your passion and enthusiasm will shine through and attract other like-minded individuals.   

Read the full article on Hubspot, “What Did Jane Austen Know About Social Media?”.