Modern Manners: Tech Etiquette (Part 2)

Original image from thefrontrowview.com

Have you been waiting with bated breath for the second installment of Modern Manners: Tech Etiquette? Wait no more my darlings, here is part two, just for you!

SOCIAL MEDIA

• While sharing oodles of pictures via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. can be oh so tempting, proceed with caution when publishing images on your social media accounts. When in doubt ask yourself, would I show this to my lovely grandmother?
• Think twice before you tweet or post an update on Facebook, and make sure it's not too personal or embarrassing. There's nothing worse than social media remorse! 
• If a national tragedy occurs, such as the Boston Marathon explosions, it's best to be extra sensitive and consider your audience before posting. While there are no set in stone rules for how to handle social media during times such as these, I recommend waiting 24 hours to begin posting regular content again. 
• Social networking sites represent a wonderful way to stay in touch and reconnect with people, however if someone sends you a friend request and you don't know them, it's perfectly appropriate not to accept the request. Feeling guilty about denying this person your online friendship? Message them, kindly explaining why you can't accept the request (e.g., you have a no-friend policy with clients).
• Follow the golden rule, and aim not to rant, complain, or speak negatively about your job or a specific person on social media. Chances are they will see it and it could cost you your job or a relationship. Not to mention it will live forever on the world wide web!
• While wildly addicting, try to keep your daily pins, tweets, and posts to a minimum so your friends aren't overwhelmed with content. 
• Credit work where credit is deserved. See the captivating images in this post? I provided captions of where I found the original images. 

Original image from thefrontrowview.com

EMAILING 

• When emailing someone – an original email or a response – always double check the “To” line to ensure you’re only sending your message to the intended party. I’ve heard many a horror story of an accidental “Reply All” ending in serious drama!
• Emails exist forever and can be forwarded on to others, so be super careful about what you write. A good rule of thumb? If you don't want it printed in the newspaper, don't put it in an email. 
• Avoid using all CAPS as this looks like you're yelling, and might scare off the recipient of your note! 
• There's no doubt we all have busy lives, however try to respond to the emails that you receive (excluding spam of course). Dealing with a chaotic schedule? Set aside 30 minutes a day to check email, that way you'll be able to stay current and not stress. 
• Aim to discuss significant matters (good and bad) in person, rather than via email. Computers can't compete with face-to-face contact!
• When sending documents and pictures, strive not to send any enormous files, as you may crash the recipient's computer. Absolutely must send that photo montage that's 22 MB? Have no fear, send it via file sharing, or check with the recipient to confirm they can receive a file that large. 
• When sending emails to a large group, fill the addresses in the BCC line; this protects everyone's privacy.
• Business emails call for a more formal approach, so strive to keep the content professional and limit exclamation points and smiley faces.