I love social media. It is a great way to connect with people from all across the world. I enjoy sharing photo’s and staying up to date with the adventures of my friends and family.

However, sometimes things get out of control, even ugly. As a follower of Jesus, I want all of my conversations, even those online, to honor my relationship with Him. The Apostle Paul writes in the letter to the Colossians “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6). It is very easy to have unseasoned conversations hiding in an office or living room, some of them even turn bitter. It’s easy to hide behind a computer screen armed with our keyboards and mouse.

Social media can turn into a weapon

People say some pretty incredible things online. I’ve had a front row seat to married couples air all their dirty laundry on Facebook, passively aggressively sending each other subtle messages. I have watched as disgruntled employees say horrible things about their employers, parents say hurtful things about their children and children disrespecting parents. I have observed passive aggressive behavior, vicious attacks and uninformed pontificating…and yes I have ben guilty of some of these things. I wonder if there a better way? In search of that better way I have established some “rules of engagement” for my online presence. These practices have helped me stay out of trouble and live with integrity.

Five practices to have a better voice on social media

I have set some ground rules for myself and my social media presence. These have helped live honestly and honor my walk with God. I am convinced that our online activity is a spiritual activity and is an extension of our walk with Christ. Here are my rules:

1. Never say anything I would not say to someone personally.

Lots of people say things online that we would never say to anyone’s face. If I am frustrated with someone, I would rather sit down and have an actual conversation. Conveying and reading emotion is hard when interacting online. Having hard but respectful conversations seems to be a dying art.

2. Check my facts

Have you ever posted something on Facebook only to be fact checked by someone and experience the embarrassment that follows? I have. It is so easy to hit the “share” button before doing the hard work of research to determine if what I am sharing is actually true. Before I share, post or repost anything I always check my facts.

3. Keep all posts positive

I work  hard to keep my posts as positive as possible. I have decided there is enough negativity in the world, and I don’t need to add to it.

4. Never attack anyone personally

Attacking someone online is shallow and immature. Most of the time we don’t even know the person. Realize you only know 50% of the story (AT BEST!). The person on the receiving end has a story and a version that may differ slightly from yours. If you have an issue with someone, refer to rule number one.

5. Share useful information

Sharing great information new practice for me. I have begun to share things that are helpful for life. The internet is full with lots of great articles and videos that are useful. I want my presence online to be useful, helpful and life-giving

Those are my social media rules…what are yours? I would love to hear them!