Common Knowledge, Not So Common in Social Media

When it comes to social media, does common knowledge just get thrown out the window? Is that why so many writers are able to publish articles about social media tips, hints, tricks and etiquette.

I feel like I see new articles on this stuff at least daily, and for the most part, they're all saying the same things: don't announce you're on vacation, remember everyone can see your Tweets, don't talk bad about colleagues, the list goes on and on, but it all seems like basic common knowledge stuff.

We all know that saying, "Common knowledge isn't so common," still, I'm surprised some of these people are probably getting paid to write some if this stuff. Comedians point out shortcomings in common knowledge, but at least they're funny.

That said, who are these people to tell me what the rules and regulations of social media should be? That my Tweets should incorporate more intellectual value than how many times a day I masticate or drink a cup of coffee. Isn't one point of social media that we, the society, get to determine what's good and bad...not some group of self-elevated, morally superior, elitists who have a bigger loudspeaker just because they're published writers, or so-called "experts" in the field.

I do agree that different platforms call for different protocol, but if you have to be told what those protocol are...perhaps you shouldn't be there in the first place. Let'em dig their own grave.

So, if you want to Tweet about a great burger you had, or update your Facebook status to, "Damn, that girl is peepin' my junk." Go ahead and do it! You're human and you've got personality...perhaps no class, but certainly personality. It might make some people judge you a little differently...but more than likely, they'll blow it off as just another stupid post.

As social media becomes more and more valid as a form of mainstream internet technology and not just "a way to stay in touch" you do lose some of the fun. It's almost like mom and dad just crashed your slumber party, so it would behoove you to remember that a lot companies and people are now using your online presence as a flagstick by which your character will be judged. But ultimately, how you conduct yourself online is your call, and that's all I'm going to say about it.