Content Updated 11/29/2023
As social media increasingly influences our daily lives, it is important to be aware of the impact social media can have on you. Social media is known to have influence over emotions, thoughts, and behaviors; however, it can also be a valuable tool when used with care. 
To help ensure you are using social media to your advantage, Boardman Training Center brings you 5 tips for good social media etiquette.
1. Post With Purpose
Your online presence can significantly impact your personal brand, so it is very important to post things that align with how you want to be viewed. Think to yourself, “How do I want to be perceived?” Social media can be a great tool for developing your image, growing your network, and furthering your career as long as you are posting with purpose.
2. Pause Before Hitting Post
In a world where sharing your inner thoughts is as easy as hitting a button, it is crucial to take a moment before posting to consider what you are putting on the internet. Your digital footprint can last long after you hit post, so pausing to think about how others might perceive your words is very important.
Avoid posting when you are upset, as this can lead to posting content that you later regret having shared. Instead, try journaling as a way to release your feelings.
3. Control Your Content Consumption
In addition to considering the content you share, it is also important to be aware of the types of content you are consuming. Research has long proved that social media can have a negative impact on your mental health. A study published by Medical News Today shows a connection between social media usage and anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
To avoid this, be sure to filter the content you consume. Fill your feed with posts from those who inspire and motivate you rather than posts that cause negative feelings. Building an online network with people who positively influence you can help you develop personally and professionally.
4. Limit Your Social Media Use
The importance of limiting your social media usage cannot be overstated. It has been proven that social media can be addictive, so setting a time limit for yourself and sticking to it is crucial to your productivity and mental well-being. Studies show that social media has a higher impact on children and teenagers, so if you are a parent, you may want to establish similar limits for your children as well.
Additionally, following news updates is important but can sometimes lead to mental and emotional exhaustion. Reading about distressing world events in the morning can put you in a negative state of mind for the day, or viewing at night can disrupt your sleep. Setting the limit to only reading this content at midday can help you avoid these adverse effects.
5. Keep It Professional
When used appropriately, social media can be a tool to develop your professional image and expand your career opportunities. Many employers check a potential candidate’s social media presence before hiring them. It is essential to maintain good social media etiquette and keep your pages professional. A good rule before posting is to consider whether you would want your mother or employer to see your post. In general, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to posting online. Posting something disrespectful, inappropriate, or insensitive content can be harmful not only to the receiver but also to your image.
Boardman Training Center Is Here For You
We hope you have found these social media etiquette tips helpful in utilizing social media as a tool. Boardman Training Center is here to help our students learn practical healthcare skills as well as the soft skills needed to be successful in their careers.
Fill your feed with the positive stories from Boardman Training Center students and graduates by following our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages!