Online Social Networking Etiquette

myFoxAustin (AUSTIN)- Should you reject a friend request from your boss on Facebook? Do you air out your ex's dirty laundry on Myspace? Or better yet, should you post pictures of your friend hammered at a party?

These questions and more are stirring up debate among social media gurus and everyday users. For the most part, what's right and wrong is subjective, but there's a growing movement to change that. Experts say the best way to manage your social circle on the internet is through the very same manners you were brought up with. FOX 7 News complied a list of the social etiquette tips that may help.

Tip 5: Keep Private Conversations Private.

"He dumped me via a message on Myspace," said University of Texas Junior Amanda Hodgson. She said her boyfriend not only dumped her on Myspace, but also used the social media site for the rebound.

"I turned off my phone. I went away for the weekend, and when I came back, there was a bulletin that was sent out to all of your friends that said, 'I'm finally single. I'm finally freed,'"said Hodgson.

Humiliated, Hodgson said she closed her account.

Social Media guru and radio morning show host Bobby Bones said he knows the virtual-cardinal sin all too well. He makes an example of those who give out too much information. Bones hosts a segment on his show called TMI.

"Women will come on and be like and my kid and I are going to be alone tonight because baby daddy is nowhere to be found. Thanks for nothing," said Bones

Tip 4: Don't Spam.

"The thing about social media is that it's social. You can't display yourself as a brand," said UT Assistant Director of Computer Writing and Research John Jones.

Jones said social spam is infecting new media sites like Twitter and created what's called noise.

"You can't just go on twitter and treat it like a marketing tool," said Jones.

"I hate people that send me invites to every single application," said Bones. "Like, I don't care what my country western name is. I don't want to download the application and type it in to find out what kind of car I'm going to die in."

Tip 3: Use your real name.

Bones, who reigns has the top on-air personality with the most twitter followers admits he uses his radio name but discloses it on air.

"I use twitter to self-promote and feed my ego," Bones said jokingly.

But using a fake name can get in trouble. This year, a twitter user made headlines after the Austin Police department filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's office. The department claimed user AUSTIN PD was impersonating an officer. The users account has been taken down.

Tip: 2: Don't Post incriminating pictures.

"I had a friend who almost lost her job with a school district because her friend wouldn't take down all the photos of her drinking at college," said Hodgson.
Experts say remember, social sites like twitter can be public. Employers have started to monitor social media sites for their employees. Some have even used the site to screen new hires.

"Social Media Etiquette isn't all that different from etiquette in the real world," said Jones.

Tip 1: Think before you add or reject.

Users on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook can set their privacy status in a way where the user can screen those who want access to their social site. Adding someone is like opening the door to your circle. Rejecting is a denial of access. So , what's the most appropriate thing to do when a co-worker wants in?

"I ignored her," recalls Bones. "I didnt send her a message saying your ignored but she ignored me in the office for three weeks. Didn't even look at me in the eyeballs. "

"If I haven't met the person at least once in person, I try not to add them," said Hogdson.

"You can't just ignore your boss. Like, if it's your ex-girlfriend, you can definitely just ignore that person," said Jones.

Or you can do what Bones suggests.

"You except them. You let them stay for 4-5 days. Facebook doesn't tell you when you de-friend someone so you go through your friends 4-5 days later you click x they're eliminated from your friends. They have no idea because they don't get a message," said Bones.

Experts say the best rule of thumb, use your manners. And be honest. They said social media etiquette isn't much different that the real-world.

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