Start from the outside in

When social media craze first began in the UAE in about 2010, a thought came to my mind which was to create an etiquettes and protocols guide stipulating how to behave on social media. Just like any human interaction we face on daily bases, modern society dictates certain decorum. This might not be only to impress others but to eliminate any chance of awkward or uncomfortable situations for both parties. For instance the proper way of eating soup at a formal soiree is to sip it quietly from the side of your spoon like a drink. This in turn ensures that you do not spill all over yourself hence saving you the embarrassment, while simultaneously ensuring others enjoy their evening without having to endure unpleasant sounds or sights. Similarly, at a formal event, the proper way to introduce two people to each other is to state the name of the person with higher rank then follows it with “I would like to introduce …” then mention the name of the person with the lower rank. This ensures that both parties know the hierarchy of the people present as well as facilitating the conversation so that both parties are at ease. 

Likewise, with any new situation, people must become aware of what is the best way to behave. For instance in social media what does a “like” stand for? Does it mean that you agree with this post? Or that you have seen it? What if it’s a post about someone’s beloved one passing? Should you like or comment? These small intricate details must be made clear to users so that all users are aware of the proper way. This has unfortunately not taken place nor have people developed a set of rules that we are all aware of. 

Furthermore, this lack of proper behavior has seeped into our daily offline lives. Lately I have noticed that people have become more self-entitled, snoopy, discourteous and extravagant. Just like following someone on social media, people have developed the sense that they are entitled to know more about others’ lives or that they are permitted to say what they think regardless whether its asked for or proper. Also, you see more people being excessive in their daily lives as they have reflected the social media reality into their own. Little do they know that a single moment in time captured in a pic or a video can’t be the full actual reality of someone. Do you know anyone who has never had a bad day? No, because that’s real life. However, on social media everyone is going out, having fun, eating delicious food and living carefree. That’s the protocol or etiquette of social media; don’t post your negativity. However that doesn’t mean that your life should be a bed of roses every single day. On the contrary, if people knew that this is a protocol of social media, perhaps they wouldn’t go to such extreme lengths to relive their online lives. 

Some might see this far-fetched, however, think of it; social media has become our reality. Therefore if we don’t enforce the proper etiquette and protocols in the digital realm, chances are they will not reflect in the real world. So if in a formal dinner the rule is to start using the cutlery from the outside in, do you know the faux-pas of the social media? #MforMarketing.