Twitter has become the social network or the moment, and often comes up as the topic of conversation. However, as with all websites, people visit every day in the plugged-in world in which we live, some people do not realize there are some things that are appropriate for the Internet and some things that should remain offline. Twitter is no different.
Tweetiqutte or “Tweeting Etiquette” is overlooked and by some not considered by many who decide to type out their random streams of thought all day, 140 characters at time. Here are just some things to consider when on twitter:
- Think before you tweet: In the same way people will put their foot in their mouth during a conversation, it happens just as often on twitter, the only difference is hundreds and possible thousands of people saw what you said. Even if you delete what you tweeted, there will be too many retweets and screenshots forever leaving you in infamy for making a ridiculous statement.
- Do not argue in 140 characters or less: Everyone has an opinion. Sometimes someone’s opinion you may feel is wrong, and other times it may actually be wrong. Regardless of the scenario, going back and forth with someone over twitter is a waste of time. The old adage of not being able to tell who the fool is in an argument holds true for twitter. People will gladly sit by laughing at you make a fool of yourself trying to convince someone to think and feel the way you do.
- Twitter is NOT FreeHarmony.com: Twitter is not the place to go for hook ups. Yes, it is an open forum where people meet and follow new people and things may happen, but to go on twitter and blow up someone’s direct messages (I am talking to guys right now) is not appropriate and #TheThirst, as it is referred to, is not appreciated.
- I repeat, Twitter is NOT FreeHarmony.com: On the other side of the spectrum, ladies and some fellows, to go on twitter and say things for the purpose to seeking attention from someone you want to attract. Saying, “I want a massage” on twitter is cool if that’s how you feel, but to say it every day in hopes that someone will respond just comes across as desperate for attention. The same goes for guys who say, “I wish I had someone to cook for.” Go outside and ask someone out, Twitter does not, and will never, replace face-to-face interaction.
- Complaining that your timeline is “dry” is your fault: Twitter is definitely a subjective experience. You cannot complain about your timeline being dry if they are all people you choose to follow. Following everyone who follows you is not always recommended; following the people who say the things that you find interesting is all that matters.
- Remember employers tweet too: This is similar to the Facebook rule or making sure your profile is employer proof. Here are just some ideas to consider: A. Don’t link your professional e-mail or use your real name for your twitter account as your email is searchable; B. If you like tweeting recklessly, set your twitter profile to private so only those who follow you can see whom you tweet (but remember those who are not cannot respond when you tweet them). In addition, C. (my favorite suggestion) set up a separate twitter account that uses your real name and tweet on it every now and then. It keeps your professional acquaintances separate from your friends you can tweet with carelessly.
Of course, the choice of how you run your twitter is completely yours. Not everyone will heed the advice of a twitter veteran who has been tweeting since April 2009. Nevertheless, more than anything, always remain yourself on twitter, it is a lot better than trying to live through your “RepresenTweetive” when those who follow you know you in real life.
