Social media is a beautiful place but some habits of certain people can make it a really ugly place to be. Be it Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram there are certain key rules you should observe if you intend to use the platform for educative and other profitable ventures.

Here are 10 rules every Ghanaian netizen should observe

1. Don’t share too much of your personal life on social media

Most Ghanaians do not know how to draw the line between social media and their personal life. Social media is not an extension of your life; it’s only a reflection of some part of your life. Learn to keep the fight you had with your spouse, all the issues you’re encountering with work and the new car you bought in private instead of being quick to share on social media. Usually, your social network is an amalgamation of several people who may or may not know you in real life.

2. Complaining about your boss, colleague or lecturer on your social media is a big NO

Yes, we know your boss can be a pain the ass and we all have such bosses too but you don’t see us posting all over social media. How would you feel if your boss saw all the mean things you said about him or her on Facebook? If you want to keep your job or get a promotion try not to share your issues with other people online.

3. Use your real name or a social media name that people know you by or represents your personal brand

Social media is a beautiful place to assume a pseudonym or an alter ego but employees, as well as potential friends, want to know the real you. A genuine name and online presence could also help link you to all friends and contact. If your name is “Kofi Mensah” stick to that instead of “ChillingIsAllIDoSwagBoyDope”. It’s unprofessional and could land you in trouble.

4. Do not post graphic images on your social media

It’s criminal enough that you saw a car knock down someone or two people fighting and you recorded of calling the police. Respect other people’s sensibilities before posting graphic videos of accident victims or a dead person on social media. Simply put, do not post embarrassing pictures of someone just for likes and laugh if you wouldn’t be happy if the tides shifted.

5. Be careful of the people you send friend requests to or the ones that send them to you

Birds of a feather they say fly together and sometimes they confuse their owners. When your mother asked you to stay away from bad friends whiles you were growing she didn’t know of social media but that advice is relevant here too.   People will judge you by the company you keep so check the people you allow into your friend list.

6. Do not use Twitter and Linkedin to overly lobby for a job.

Twitter and Linkedin are the world’s leading tools to network and interact with industry professionals but you should know when to network and when not to. Networking can lead to harassment and you wouldn’t want to scare your potential client away with incessant tweets and Linkedin messages. Instead of consistently sending a request for interviews which might not land your job rather ask for advice from experienced people in the field. Eventually, they’ll recommend you for a job when they need you.

7. Don’t post naked photos, pornography or nudity on your social media.

No one wants to see your naked self on social media or your sex tape. Unless you're Kim Kardashian or have a mum who can manage your sex scandal well don't go posting your nudes on social media. In fact, do not even take such images and put them on your phone. You can be hacked and the images shared with the world will ruin your reputation and your future.

8. Steer away from controversial conversations. 

It’s great if you share your opinion on national issues but stay away from topics or news that can cause some controversial. Don’t talk about racism, sexuality or tribal politics with other people online. Most employers won’t employ someone who is controversial and these posts are usually online for the rest of your life.

9. Verify every news before you share

There is nothing more annoying and sad than to see educated people sharing false information. In this era of social media, rumours run faster than a wildfire so be careful to verify your information from websites with high credibility such as pulse.com.gh. Somewhere in 2016, news broke out that former First Lady Mrs Theresa Kuffuor had kicked the bucket only for the poor lady’s family to come out to clear the air. False information hurts the people it concerns and cast a doubt on your integrity on social media

10. Be real

Be yourself everyone else is taken, once said a wise woman. A lot of people pretend on social media and share plastic versions of themselves online, try not tow that line. People will also like you or dislike you no matter how perfect you are. Just be kind, calm and observant, people are attracted such people.