Folks, it’s straightforward—if not easy—to use Twitter well. Here is a short list of flexible rules I use to make this a wonderful paradise I enjoy almost all the time:
1. Turn off notifications.
2. Don’t pay attention to any numbers on your tweets.
3. Cultivate relationships. You can form meaningful connections on here!
4. Always be kind. Don’t amplify mockery. If someone is cruel to you, ignore them, block them, mute them, or kill them with (genuine) kindness.
5. Remember Twitter is not a representative sample of reality.
6. If you find it’s making you unhappy, regulate your use. Set rules for yourself.
7. Use the mute words function liberally. Believe me, you won’t miss any news about Musk or Trump if you’ve muted their names.
8. Treat people online the way you’d like to be treated in person.
9. Only use QT to amplify something you agree with. If you’re pushing back, either screenshot or reply.
10. Post occasionally about pets, plants, personal life. Be yourself on here. That way you won’t be under pressure to pretend you are somebody else.
11. If someone proves you wrong or makes a good argument that undermines something you said, admit it.
12. Compliment often, but only in earnest.
13. This isn’t dancing. Tweet like lots of people are watching. They are!
14. Be grateful for this place. It’s amazing. Access to experts and idols who will sometimes even reply to your questions! What??!
…there’s a lot more, but for now, if you find yourself frustrated by this place, hopefully some of these will help. See you around and please feel free to add anything you’ve found helpful!
P.S. Lots of great responses. I realize #1 should have been clearer…I meant these notifications. With all notifications muted within the app it’s hard to respond to people (though that can work for some): 
And PPS: Someone has pointed out to me that these rules might be missing key elements essential for people more vulnerable than myself, who are more frequently targeted for harassment. I’d love to hear feedback on that from those who have a better perspective than I do on it.
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