Thread by @Wamagaisa

Tw-etiquette

1. A few days ago, I promised a thread on my view of etiquette on Twitter which I shorten to “Tw-etiquette”. There’s nothing objective about this. It’s based on my observations as a Tw-itizen and what I have read. Feel free to add. Maybe it might help someone.

2. Please don’t tweet anything that you wouldn’t say in public. The line between social media and reality is blurred, if it exists at all. As a rule is if you would not utter it in public, don’t tweet it. The notion that the timeline is “private space” is preposterous.

3. Whatever you do, please don’t tweet hateful or discriminatory things. Racist, homophobic or sexist comments will come back to bite you at some point in your life especially when you least suspect it. Employers and recruiters sometimes check your social media footprint.

4. Some think, “I’m a nobody” but one day when you think you have arrived someone will dig up the old tweets. In defence you might say you were young, excitable & ignorant but it won’t wash. You might end up losing that great opportunity just because of one thoughtless tweet.

5. I have heard of people who have had difficulties when seeking entry clearance into some countries (visa) because of old social media posts. They might have posted comments that were deemed hostile to that country. Think carefully before you tweet.

6. Construct a genuine identity that is believable. Don’t be a ghost. It’s very hard to take you seriously when you make a request from a numbered handle which has a cartoon character or mask as your profile picture. If you’re going to DM a request please introduce yourself.

7. Please say “please” when you are making a request. It’s the polite thing to do. Please may I have your number? Please may you retweet my tweet. Make it a habit. If you don’t say please you will come across as rude and entitled.

8. Writing in capital letters is regarded as shouting. Shouting is rude. Please don’t shout. Besides, it’s not nice to read anything written in capital letters. And avoid social media shorthand. Write intelligibly. When you DM please don’t just say “Hi”.

9. Don’t behave like a stalker. Just because someone has tweeted doesn’t mean they are available to you. There are multiple social media platforms & we can’t be on all of them at the same time. I find it polite to ask if I may call. That way they will tell me when it’s convenient

10. Whatever happens don’t drink and tweet. It usually ends in tears. Unfortunately, the urge to tweet seems to increase with each drink. It might be a good idea to switch off the gadget. You might delete the tweets but the screenshot association will have done their job already!

11. You don’t have to be involved in everything. Twitter is like a township. A lot of things are going on. Something might be going on at the vegetable market while you are on your way to the bottle store. Tempting to get involved? Nah. Keep going. Keep your eyes on the beer!

12. Finally, maintain your sense of humour at all times. Most of the time people are just having a bit of fun! Fluency in subtlety, satire, and figure of speech is a useful skill on these streets. If you don’t get it, learn to walk past and find what you get :-)