Being able to ‘read the room’ and say things in an appropriate tone.
Treating others the way you wish to be treated and respecting other people’s boundaries are all valuable things to learn - in life and on social media.
One key attribute is being able and willing to let someone else have the last word.
All too often discussions become arguments and arguments escalate into something even stronger because neither side can let things go.
It pays dividends to be the one to - sometimes - let the other person come back at you - and then say nothing in response.
Being content with having some people disagreeing with you and not feeling obliged to try and change their mind also goes a long way to cultivating a healthy community around you on social media.
Sarcasm doesn’t come across well on social media and expressing even minor irritation in a jokey way can be perceived by some, as aggression.
I say all this as someone who’s got it wrong myself on plenty of occasions but who has tried to learn!
The old adage - if you’ve nothing good to say , don’t say anything is worthwhile - and think about the implications for your employment, or other friends and family members all of whom may well see everything you post on social media.
Every post - from a private WhatsApp group to public Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all part of our personal brands and we should think carefully before we say anything that might jeapordise these.