There are a lot of things l love about being an American, and one is our First Amendment rights that give us the freedom of speech. But with racial, political, and even social unrest in our country, just because we can say almost anything we want doesn’t necessarily mean we should.
A proverb says life and death are in the power of the tongue, and we should be careful how we use it. We should monitor our “free speech” in a way that both honors people and is respectful to our families. So, I came up with the 10 Commandments of Social Media for Men—and the rationale for each one.
Social media has damaged a lot of relationships because people assume the worst of someone they disagree with.1. Always assume good intent.
Rationale: Social media has damaged a lot of relationships because people assume the worst of someone they disagree with.
2. Always offer to talk to a persistent critic by phone or video conference.
Rationale: If he can’t talk to you without an audience, then you probably shouldn’t be talking to him at all.
3. Do not post anything you have to defend.
Rationale: If what you have to say can’t stand on its own merit, then don’t post it on social media.
4. Do not try to defend someone else’s post, tweet, or opinion.
Rationale: Someone else’s opinion isn’t your responsibility to defend it; it’s theirs.
5. Only post what your family would be proud to see you post.
Rationale: If your family wouldn’t be proud of what you’re posting, then you probably shouldn’t. You’re not only representing yourself with your words, but you’re also representing them.
6. Stay off of toxic people’s social media pages.
Rationale: Freedom of speech also means freedom of choice. We don’t get to pick our family members but, thank goodness, we can pick our friends. Ignore and avoid toxic people.
7. Never make posts that name-call, blame, shame, or accuse others.
Rationale: Remember, name-calling, blaming, shaming, and accusing says more about the perpetrator than the target.
8. Post or tweet only to educate, not retaliate or humiliate.
Rationale: My mother always told me, “Either you’re building up people with your words or tearing them down; so, be a builder, not a breaker.”
9. Post and go, not post and watch.
Rationale: If you’re more concerned about how many people see, like, and share your post rather than the impact of it, you probably shouldn’t be posting it.
10. Never spend more time posting and tweeting than reading things that make you better.
Rationale: You’re not just what you eat, you’re also what you consume otherwise. If you’re not careful, social media can become junk food for the eyes and a numbing agent for the brain.
Sound off: What’s the most difficult part of social media for you?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “Why do you think it is important to watch our words?”