NET-tiquette for the social soul

Let’s get realistic, guys — Aren’t we all accustomed to posting a blow-by-blow account of our everyday lives on social media? But while you’re at it, did you know that using a hashtag more than thrice per picture and sending snap stories individually are part of the ‘must-never-do social media etiquette’? Social media savvy Bengalureans tell us everything you probably need to know – just before you send that next invite, you know!

Stop the ‘noob’ery!: “In all honesty, ignorance (at least on social media) is not a bliss. In fact, with so many people peering at your profile at any given time, it is extremely important to discern the use and abuse of various options,” opines Sachin A Tantry, a journalism and digital media lecturer from Jain University.

Elucidating on the same, he adds, “ The rule of thumb is to realise that one must maintain a balance. Your account should not be an open journal – nobody needs to know about how hungover you were at that party. In fact, over sharing is certainly off-putting and terrible social manners!”  On the other hand, Rajat Bongale, a 24-year old young communications manager believes one needs to understand  that there are different lingos for different mediums. “No matter how popular your think something is, restrict the hashtags to twitter and job enquiries to Linkedin and keep it at that! Also, go easy on the the filters! Nobody wants to see ten images of yourself with pixie ears and a piggie nose!”. And just in case, you’ve desperately been wanting to add somebody, Nithya David, a young recruiter, suggests  “Every three months I do a spring cleaning of my FB page, people who are silent spectators are politely removed. Sometimes I happen to meet them and when they question me, I make it clear to them in a polite manner that its always better to have an interactive friend then a silent spectator. Also, while these sites are for socialising, it is always a safer bet to follow a certain person because your interests match. Sending a message or following them is any day a better bet than a friend request notification out of the blue!.”