As social media begins to take over our lives let’s remind ourselves that it is new real estate for most of us. No…..I am not talking about vegetation……but rather digital space. We all seem to keep leveraging social tools like Twitter….FB….Linkedin….etc. They are all great, however along with the new digital real estate we each select to inherit comes trespassers and ultimately danger. As parents……kids…..we have a social responsibility to protect each other. The lasting footprints we leave online should leave a positive impression we feel proud of.

What are the trespassers…..who are they…..and what in the son of Sam does this mean???? Well, think of your FB page for example as your own state…..and your friends are either trespassing on it or they are asking if they can come for a visit before they make foot prints on your front yard. Really…..you have digital real estate that needs to be watched like the front yard of your home.
I guess there really are no “real” rules for trespassing, but here is a short list of rules I try to follow for my own social media feeds:

- Don’t post anything you would not put on the front page of a newspaper
– When someone posts something you find offensive on your page you need to politely let them know. Don’t cause a fight – but you have to express your discomfort. Just be respectful so they will respond with equal respect back
– Think about who you engage with….Do you know them? If you have any slight feelings to be reluctant to accept their engagement then DON’T. The fact that you have to think it over is already a bad sign
– Be SUPER careful when you toss your brilliant opinion out over social feeds. It is great to be expressive, however what if your number 1 client is a democrat and you are a republican……and you keep voicing it. Is it really worth losing a client or not getting new ones because you have a big mouth. Hey….I am all for free speech and freedom of the press…..but imposing your opinion is only great for those that agree
– Don’t use social feeds to begin your bragging fest. Really…..nobody cares about your new house…car etc.
– Don’t post where you are every second. Why not just leave the big guys with masks over their faces the keys to your house….really….come on….think!

Ok….enough about my thoughts here. All I am saying is don’t allow trespassers into your digital real estate that just might not have good intentions. We all need to protect ourselves and those around us that we care about. On a positive front….social media is a blast and you should use it and enjoy it. For yourself and those that you respect use it the right way.

Proverbs 14:26: In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
Bradley D. Weisman
bweisman@inthesport.net

Please note: That any suggestions are based on personal experiences and knowledge garnered from self-education. Neither Menofvalue.com or Walt Alexanxder or Brad Weisman offer any guarantees or are responsible for the consequences for any advice taken.