Guidance for students on the dos and don’ts of usingSocial Media
This guide is intended to help you benefit from the many advantages of using social media and to provide you with common-sense advice on avoiding common pitfalls. It is primarily concerned with Twitter and Facebook but the principles can be applied across the social media spectrum.
Do create an employer friendly profile. You can strengthen your job applications by developing online profiles. An active social media presence can demonstrate your interest and engagement in the profession/industry. See the further resources section for help.
Do think before you post. Even if you have deleted a comment it may still remain ‘live’. It may be possible to still retrieve the comment via search engines and people may have copied or forwarded it. Presume everything you share online will be public and permanent.
Do use a conversational tone but don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say in public. Remember future employers may read what you say on social networks. Think carefully about what you post and how it may reflect on you.
Do practise good netiquette- be courteous online, respect other people’s opinions and always refrain from personal abuse. See the further resources section for advice.
Do build-up a network. Following influential people and engaging in discussion may benefit your studies and beyond into your professional life.
Do manage your privacy settings and take control of who sees what on your profile. See the further resources section for tips.
Do manage your time effectively. Updating many different social media accounts can be time-consuming. Use services which automatically push content to different platforms.
Do encourage others to share your content by adding social share buttons to your online channels.
Do protect your intellectual property. Be aware of a site’s terms and conditions as it may give the website permission to use your content/images.
Do find images you can legally use and always respect copyright. Find images you can legally share under the Creative Commons License.
Don’t put yourself at risk. Don’t share your password or post personal information such as your date or place of birth.
Don’t make unjustified statements about people or organisations that could be considered to harm their reputation.
With thanks to the University of Westminster for permission to reuse this text. http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/current-students/resources/social-media-guidelines
