Offline, we all have friends, some may be very close, others fairly close, and others who aren’t close at all.
This is replicated in our online experience as well on sites such as Myspace, Bebo and Facebook.
I have developed some quite good relationships with a number of people online, some of whom I relate to every day, or even a couple of times a day in some cases, while others I relate to occasionally, or rarely.
I find that the best way to relate to a number of friends online at once is participate in groups, and when relationship has been established, to use services such as Skype to stay in contact.
This avoids over using a message system such as that on Facebook, and possibly being penalized for doing so.
Being an active member of social groups on sites such as Facebook and Myspace can also attract invitations from other friends, thus increasing your personal network.
When posting in groups it is wise to remember that other members can not read your body language, facial expressions and so on.
These characteristics are as much a part of day to day communication, and because they are missing in written communication, we need to be as precise as possible to avoid misunderstanding.
Also, once it is posted there in the group or on the wall, it’s there for everyone to see.
It may be weeks or months down the track that others read it, so if there is any chance of what has been written being misread, or misinterpreted, it can have an effect on you, and your image, long after you have forgotten about it!
I make a point of reading, and re reading anything that I write before posting to make absolutely sure that what I am writing is clearly understood.
Another thing that I keep in mind as a professional is that my ‘image’ is there for all to see, and if I act in a manner that is likely to bring offense to others, it’s me that suffers.
Much has been written about firms recruiting staff from social media sites, and checking their profiles there. The same can be said for firms looking for independent professionals too.
I certainly wouldn’t want to have a prospective employer or client seeing images of me acting like a complete dropkick, or using language in posts better suited to the gutter.
I’ve come to a point recently where I have been faced with a decision to ‘unfriend’ people on Facebook simply because of the garbage that they consistently post on my wall.
I can handle the virtual drinks, fairies, flowers and everything else, but when it comes to porn, foul language or other material that I consider to be poor taste, I draw the line. It is my profile after all!
I can respect the rights, tastes and choices of others in what they choose to do, or tolerate. It would be nice if they could do likewise.
I sometimes wonder how these same people behave and talk with their friends and acquaintances offline, which brings us back to the qualities of mutual respect and acceptance… and a question:
Why should the way I treat my online friends be any different to the way I treat my offline friends?
Then again, maybe that’s the way others treat their friends offline…
