Online etiquette

The digital age that we are currently in has definitely made the world smaller and communication easier, but also somewhat impersonal. It is easy to get caught in a habit of having your online persona clash with your personal one. 

When someone writes an article/blog or posts a video, picture or other form of communication it is important to respect it. You do not have to agree with them, and part of the digital age is open dialogue, but do so in a professional manner. No one likes to see threads of people attacking and antagonizing others. Keep your responses short, constructive and polite. If you wouldn't say what you write to someone's face, then don't write it. 

When someone posts an article, they are sharing their thoughts and ideas with others. If they have done their reaearch, this should be in a persuasive manner. It takes courage to write and put yourself out there, so be respectful. Engaging with them can help clarify points and reach new perspectives. 

If your posting something use the mom rule. Do not post anything that you would be embarrassed about if your mother saw. This will help you make smart decisions in your posts. 

I have seen quite a few posts that do not follow simple etiquette. If you want to be seen as smart and articulate, then proof all your posts and comments first. Make sure that it is what you want to say and that it elevates the conversation. Adhering to those guidelines will improve your online persona.