Currently we live in a world that seems so dependent on the presence of the internet and social media. Here are a few tips to better yourself online.

Don’t troll

I will admit I’ve done my fair share of “trolling” over the internet in the past. I will even admit that I enjoyed doing it… but it’s not nice! Trolls are people who intentionally say things (online) hoping to get an entertaining reaction from others. Don’t troll others and don’t “feed” the trolls out there. There is no need to get all fired up over the internet over nothing.

It’s easy to be the tough guy hiding behind the computer screen but if you would never say something in person that probably means you shouldn’t say it at all.

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Be Careful What You Post – The World Can See

Yes, you can post whatever you want on the internet, just remember the whole world can see it! Try to avoid swearing and other inappropriate language. Maybe think twice before posting that video of you stealing that chocolate bar, or that tweet about how wasted you got last night. You never know who could view that… an employer, your professor, your mom etc. Sometimes it just isn’t worth the likes/favourites/views etc.

Also be careful in what you write, even if something was meant to be a joke often Sarcasm may be hard to detect over the internet.

Remember especially when someone who has never met you sees your content that could be the ONLY impression that they have of you, so make it a good one.

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Don’t Spam!

Spamming is not a way to get your message/content across any quicker. If you sent it once they probably saw it, if you send it more than once they are just going to get annoyed. There are also appropriate places for where and when you should post something. For example, plugging in your own youtube channel in the comments of someone elses video is not an appropriate place, that is the place for people to converse about the others video, NOT yours. Spamming just makes you look desperate.

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Make it your Own

One of the greatest things about the internet is that is a place that gives you the opportunity to express your individual creative thoughts, opinions, and ideas. So please don’t copy others! And if really you do feel the need to use someone else’s ideas, just give them credit for it!

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Build a Good Online Presence

If you’re trying to build your presence on the internet and want more people to follow you, be consistent. Post consecutively, don’t build yourself all up and then just fall off the face of the earth for weeks. Also, make sure you reply to things in a timely manner, again, don’t leave people hanging.

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Spelling and Grammar

Just because it’s online does not mean the rules of spelling and grammar disappear. I’m not saying everyone should be expected to be the next Wiliam Shakespeare, just put a little effort in. I, myself am not the greatest at spelling or grammar. Just please don’t start typing Lyke ths it just lokes sloppie, i no u can do better. Simply double check your work to the best of your ability. There is also this neat thing called spell check... please use it.