Why Create A Social Media Love Manifesto?

While many claim that Web 2.0 and social media have brought with them new and uncharted terrain, where etiquette is defining itself with each advance and new rules are being written every day, the line between the online world and the real world was largely erased a long time ago, and there is no longer any reason for two sets of moral and ethical guidelines. The people we “meet” in our online interactions are real people. They probably own a computer or two, and write a blog or participate in a social network. Through the social media filter we see only glimpses of them, but they are still quite real, and should be treated with respect and kindness like the people we meet anywhere else.

How I Can Make A Difference

I have therefore resolved that any time I am using social media, such as writing on my blog, updating on Twitter, or leaving a comment on someone else's blog,

I will:

• Base my comments on the facts, and make reasonable efforts to gather all relevant information before participating in any discussion
• Weigh carefully the value of any comments I choose to make against the potential for harm
• Use logic, persuasion and rhetoric, and not personal attacks, to state my case
• Exercise sensitivity and awareness when discussing topics such as race and religion
  

I will not:

• Make assumptions about people’s motivations.
• Generate controversy for its own sake.
• Join others by thoughtlessly “piling on” when someone is under attack

I will always strive to:

• Treat people online with the respect and kindness I would extend to a friend or professional colleague.
• Take time regularly to leave a supportive comment on a blog or acknowledge someone positively in a public forum.