Tips for using social media
Social media refers to websites, technology, applications or tools that allow online interaction and sharing of information. The use of social media is growing as people look for new and convenient ways to keep in contact with family and friends, build their professional profiles, and explore interests.
Choosing social media
Think about what you want to gain from using social media. This can help you choose the service that best suits your needs.
Social media can include, but is not restricted to:
- blogs—they can be used to find and share information on topics that interest you
- social networking—allows you to socialise with friends or find new ones
- professional networking—allows you to build your professional profile by interacting with others in your industry.
Blogs
A blog is a type of website that can be updated regularly with short, informal articles called blog posts.
Most blogs allow you to publish a combination of text, photos, videos and other media. You can post these on your blog and invite people to respond.
Social networking
Each social networking site offers different features to its users.
The most popular sites currently include:
- Facebook—an online forum where you can create your own profile and/or page, share information, photos, other media and keep up to date with family and friends
- Twitter—post your photos, links or conversations as quick, short updates in real time. Posts are known as ‘tweets’
- Instagram—allows you to post photos and share them on other social networking sites
- Tumblr—a mini blog site for photos, video and text. You can follow other users or make your blogs private.
The Queensland Government does not endorse any of the sites in this list. Do your own research and make your own decisions about which (if any) sites you trust.
Professional networking
Almost all social media sites can be used in business. Some may be useful if you are looking for a job. Read about professional networking and using social networking to find a job.
Social media help and advice
The best and most up-to-date tips for using social media are found online.
- Do some online research—search for topics like 'using social media’ or ‘how to use social media’.
- Try your preferred social media site for information on how to get started.
The Australian Government offers a guide to socialising online. It can help you learn about the different sites.
Think before you post
It’s not just your friends who may read your posts or comments, or view your photos and videos on social media sites.
The things you do online may be viewed by people you did not intend to see them, for example your future employer. This can affect you, your family and friends offline.
To make a positive impression while using social media, you should:
- think before you post—don't post negative comments about specific people (venting your anger or frustrations about someone online can be harmful for you and the other person)
- be considerate before posting—avoid posting potentially embarrassing or offensive content, including inappropriate language, images, videos and other media
- check your privacy settings—make sure your preferred privacy settings are in place to restrict who can see certain things you post
- respect others—respect other people’s privacy and avoid conflict.
Each social media site has its own security, privacy and censorship guidelines so it is important that you research and know what’s expected before registering.