NaromieGanesh2Technology plays a major role in the way we meet and stay in touch with people. With the advent of social networking channels, the quantity of communication methods has increased, but the quality of communication, as many will argue, has decreased. In order to increase the quality of your communication with friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances, here are a few simple social networking tips from the School of Common Sense Etiquette:

COMMUNICATION IN GENERAL
Mood (More YAY! than NAY!): Sure they call it electronic communication, but there is still a human being typing in those zeros and ones. Whether you are on the sending or receiving side of the communication equation, understand that people emotionally digest the context of a message based on their present mood. Of course, when you are communicating in front of a computer screen, it is difficult to gauge how others are feeling. This is why you should give each sender the benefit of the doubt when a message may appear to be questionable in tone. Also, you should reply to messages when you are in a sunny disposition. The School of Common Sense Etiquette believes a friendly mood makes a friendlier message.

FACEBOOK
Negativity (NAY!): We all have that at one ubiquitous Facebook friend whose status is mostly grey in tone. You know the one who hates Mondays, is always coming down with something or never has enough time even though we—mammals, reptiles and amphibians—have 24 hours in the day, too?

If you are this person: STOP IT. While you want to log on to find out how your friends are truly doing, it’s disheartening to have a friend who repetitively whines. Post thoughtful messages so when you are truly having a bad day, your friends will know it is the real deal and be compassionate. The School of Common Sense Etiquette believes your friends do not need to know you hate Mondays 52 times a year.

E-MAIL
Privacy (YAY!): When forwarding or sending an e-mail to your contact list, always blind copy (BCC) the email addresses. Since not everyone wants others to know their email address, it is better to err on the side of being discretion. The School of Common Sense Etiquette believes you should take all available steps to protect other’s privacy.

Reply All (NAY!): When you receive an e-mail, even if the message is being sent to a list of people, your communication is primarily with the sender. Unless the sender states otherwise, the other people on the list do not need to know your response. If the sender feels the need to share your message, let the sender take it upon themselves to share your response. The School of Common Sense Etiquette believes no one should have to read your single word response. Thanks!

CELL PHONE
Safety (YAY!): There is no doubt that cell phones are great in an emergency, but when used improperly, they can cause the emergency. The increasing number of car accidents due to cell phone use attests to this. When you are using your cell phone in such a way that can bring harm to others, you are choosing fleeting communication over timeless safety.

Nota Bene: If you are a passenger in a car while the driver is using a cell phone, unless you ask them to pull over, you are also overlooking safety. In addition, do not take calls from or continue speaking with a caller who is using their cell phone while driving. Talk to them when they arrive safely at their destination. The School of Common Sense Etiquette believes in safety first.

Politeness (YAY!): Electronic communication should not subvert face-to-face communication. In other words, if you are having dinner with a friend, your cell phone should not be able to interrupt your time together. If answering your cell phone is that important to you, then maybe you should be having dinner with your cell phone instead. In the almost nonexistent situation where you need to keep your cell phone on, and answer the call away from them. The School of Common Sense Etiquette believes if a situation is important enough to interrupt face-to-face time, then you should be there, not here.

I hope that you will remember these tips so the next time you use electronic communication. Technology empowers the quality of your connection with others.

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