What to consider before posting anything in social media?

Answers (1)

Depends where you want to post. Is it your personal page or the business page in the network? Next time you share a post ask yourself these five questions and see if it shifts your decision to share that particular content, picture, or thought.
1. Why this?
Ask yourself why you're choosing to share before posting. What is the intention behind the post? It might be to share an important idea, or it could be to make an old boyfriend jealous. Taking a brief pause and really doing some self-inquiry before posting will slow down your process, which is a great practice for being more mindful and less impulsive.
2. Who will see this?
Taking a moment to reflect on who will see your post will help you to discern whether the post is appropriate or beneficial to your social standing. You may have to consider whether your accounts are private or public, or whether it's a business or personal profile. A post that's intended for family will also be seen by all of your other followers, so you'll want to be aware of this before sharing.
3. Would I want this on the front page of the New York Times?
As much as we trust the internet and social media, when you post something it's out there. If you make the presumption that everything you post could potentially be front-page news, you can really get a sense of what you're willing to expose. We are a sensationalized culture, and anything shared online is considered fair game. Don't live in denial that a private account is truly private.
4. How will others feel when they see this?
This is a great question for tapping into a moment of empathy or for being more sensitive. We often post without realizing that there are many people seeing what we're sharing beyond the people we are holding in mind. Becoming aware of how your post will affect the broader culture may shift what you share.
5. What do I expect?
One of the most depressing moments for many social media posters is not getting a "like." If you're expecting people to approve or value your post, then be prepared for disappointment. Getting clear about your expectations before posting is another great way to discern between valuable posts and posts intended for improving your own self-worth.

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