Social media is messaging with an audience. A post can reach hundreds of people, including some you never meant it for, and it can last for years.
Key idea
Ask before posting photos of others or their children. Don't announce other people's news. Remember that posts are public and lasting.
Why it works
A photo or a piece of news belongs, in part, to the people in it. A friend may not want a photo seen by an employer, or may want to tell family about an engagement or a pregnancy in their own words before the world knows. Asking first gives them that choice. And because posts can be copied and found later, writing only what you would be glad to see quoted keeps both you and others safe from embarrassment.
Worked example: A group photo
After a hike, Mia wants to post a photo of the whole group. What should she do first?
- The photo includes friends who may not want it public.
- She asks in the group chat: "Okay if I post this one?"
- If anyone says no, she posts a different photo or none.
Answer: Ask everyone in it first.
Worked example: Someone else's news
James hears at work that his friend Nora got a promotion. Nora hasn't announced it. Should he post congratulations?
- It is Nora's news to announce.
- He congratulates her privately and lets her share it when she is ready.
Answer: Congratulate her privately; let her announce it.
Common mistake
Posting a group photo or a friend's engagement news before the people in it have shared it themselves. Quick check: is this my news or my photo alone? If not, ask.