SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE FOR THE AGED

According to recent Pew Research, 48% of online adults aged 65 or older are using Facebook and 22% of online adults aged 50 and older are using social media.

Although most of these older adults have been able to figure out social media, the intricacies of social media etiquette may not be so apparent. For the sake of safety and manners, it’s a good idea to follow these general social media rules of etiquette.

1. Don’t Over share

For security purposes it’s important that you don’t share any personal information like your full name, birthday, address, etc. Most sites will ask for this information when you sign up, but you can set privacy settings so that only your friends can see this information (so they can wish you happy birthday, for example). Or, you can lock down your privacy settings altogether so that no one can access these personal details. It’s important to never share information like your social security number and bank account information online. Moreover, one must be able to filter the information shared on social media especially regarding family members and their personal details. Sharing information regarding life events of others must also be done while being mindful and only after their consent.

2. Sharing Photos

It’s proper etiquette to ask before you post pictures that you take of other people. Keep in mind that some people might not want pictures of themselves or their family posted online. Whether their reasoning is serious or frivolous, this is their choice. The best thing to do is to ask before you post. Keep in mind that some people might not be confident of their appearance, or may not want pictures of themselves or their family posted online. Whether their reasoning is serious or frivolous (they might not have a reason), this is their choice. The best thing to do is to ask before you post. In the worst-case scenario, sharing a photo without having rights to that photo can lead to copyright infringement and subsequent legal actions.Tagging someone in a picture (or a post about an event) should only be done when the person is actually in the picture or at the event you’re discussing – and again, don’t over share information. Make sure the person will be okay with being tagged first.

3. Comment Carefully

Although it’s tempting to speak your mind freely in comments, think first about what you say and how it will be perceived. You wouldn’t want to offend a friend or family member and you also need to consider that your comments will paint a picture of who you are to people who don’t know you. Also be careful about commenting on people’s clothes, appearance or lifestyle choices in a way that could be taken negatively. Also, it’s best to not get into a heated argument online no matter how offensive you may find another’s opinions online.

4. Keep Your Circle of Friends Close

Even if you’ve met your child or grandchild’s friend, it doesn’t mean that you should invite them to be friends with you on social media. For security and privacy reasons, it’s best to invite and accept friendships from people who are actually your friends and family. Remember, it’s more meaningful to have a close circle of friends than a large number of followers who you don’t know (and who don’t know you). Accept follow requests from only those who you actually know and not of complete strangers.Seniors in Hempstead, West Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Baldwin, Freeport, Garden City have a great resource for quality rest and relaxation in a friendly, loving, mentally stimulating environment thanks to Premier Social Adult Day Services. Adult Day Care Long Island, Adult Day Care Nassau County, Senior day care long island, Call (516) 280-8111 for immediate assistance. Free Consultation. Mon-Fri – 9am-2pm. Fully covered by Medicaid. See if you qualify. Call now. #adultdaycare #adultdaycarelongisland

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.