We have all had it happen to us, the trolls, the gifs., the spambots, the ghost followers and it leaves me scratching my head. In fact, those people make about as much sense to me as the government does these days and I just wonder. What I wonder about are three things:
1. Do people who join social networks not grasp the concept that others want to know a bit about the person behind the avatar so than can interact with them?
2. Are some people so insecure with who they are that they hide behind rude/annoying behavior on social networks?
3. Do some people intentionally create profiles just to be totally annoying to others?
Yes, yes, and yes. Oh, the horrors of it all. After joining Google+, and comparing my experience there with FB and Twitter, I realized there was a lot in common between the three, but when I spent more time on Google+, which for me is a site to share knowledge, common interests, and our stories, I found the annoying behaviors much more annoying. In the last few minutes alone, Wil Wheaton, although a celebrity, and I sense they are spammed constantly, had his status pretty much hijacked from spambots.
Part of me realizes this is simply what comes with interacting on a social network but does it really have to be? What I love about Google+ from day one, compared to FB, was the amount of real people sharing their knowledge and insight about topics that meant something to them. It was refreshing, to say the least….until this week. What I see happening now, which makes me cringe, is the amount of annoying behaviors are on the rise and the part of my spirit that sees injustice in the world wants to stand up in emphatic protest. I will not turn to ambivalence and look the other way, one more day, so that poor behavior from people can ruin my social network experience. If they want to speak to my avatar and not me, then by all means, copy and paste my pic to your desktop and speak away. Throw darts at it if you will, but leave my stream or wall alone.
This made me stop and really think about what type of behaviors contribute to a pleasant environment on social networks and here is what, for me, makes my day.
1. If you follow or friend me, don’t be a voyeur. Comment, interact, ask questions and help me know who you are.
2. I love it when someone posts a status and elaborates with some juicy tidbits about an idea, a problem, a photo, or link. Simply posting one of those without your opinion leaves me hanging and I will usually ignore it.
3. Gifs., jokes, and a tiny amount of product placement is fine, yes, fine within moderation. If you only posts those, you are speaking to my avatar and not me, enough said.
4. Behind every avatar is a human, for the most part. I don’t know your struggles in life, your true nature, or your beliefs. What I do know is that we share space on this planet, and I will respect you as a kind neighbor and expect the same. I will never attack you verbally, period, regardless of the beliefs that you share. That behavior is rude, insensitive, and I believe setting a positive example to others can go a long way in spreading some ‘mannerly love’ these days. On the other hand, if I find your opinions or what you share offensive, I will nicely remove myself from following you and wish you the best.
5. I love it when someone shares a ”suggested friend” on their statuses every so often and explains why they are worth following. This is one of the best ways I have found some intriguing people through social networking and is also a great way to let them know they are valued!
This isn’t really rocket science is it? I mean, I was raised to be gentle, kind, and compassionate for others, but mainly to mind my manners. Those lessons don’t stop at the front door or the keyboard for me, and I take them seriously when on social networks. The human behind my avatar loves people, from all walks of life, especially learning about their struggles and stories.
With all that said, I end this post with the lesson I learned from it:
I will take measure of how I approach social networking and will share my respect for it, and for my neighbor, through my keyboard. It can only help make this virtual world I share with you a more beautiful place.
Have a grateful day friends!
Have A Grateful Day!