What Jerks Can Teach Us On Social Media

When on social media, there are many different types of users. Some people use social media to brighten the days of others or only to share good content. However, there are other who use the platforms to spam and share bad content.

We label these users, Social Media Jerks.

According to Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick, in their book, "The Art of SocialMedia," two main actions are related to being a Social Media Jerk: #1 users who harshly criticize other user's content. #2 users who self-promote in a rude way.

#1 Users who criticize other user's content in a rude way

The first way someone can be a Social Media Jerk is to criticize other user's content. Being disrespectful and rude on social media will not get you anywhere.

Peg Fitzpatrick wrote in her blog post, "A FEW THINGS I LEARNED FROM JERKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA," that Social Media Jerks are haters. When you, as a respected user create original content, you will get haters. Peg points out that Jerks will often post off topic comments, post rude or hurtful statement, and will often try to start a fight over the social platform. When you get these comments on your post, you should not stoop to the jerks level. Instead, block, report, and delete their comment. (Another tip from Guy and Peg)

Social media has become a place of these so called "fights," and has turned away from its original purpose, sharing original content. It is our job as social media users to keep the platforms respectable and keep the original content flowing.

#2 User Who Self-Promote Rudely

If you have ever followed a user on social media who self-promotes excessively, you probably, at one point or another, wanted to unfollow them.

Peg and Guy say that although self-promotion has a small place in social media, if not done sparingly, can be annoying, rude, and harmful to a users image.

Your followers are more likely to share your content if you show you will do the same to others. The majority of your content on social media should come from sharing others posts instead of promoting your agenda. Although it is important to get your name out, it is viewed as rude to plug your pages and your product on social media regularly.

Personally, if I see a user who promotes only their content on social media, I am less likely to follow them and share their content. However, if I notice a user who shares good content, I assume that they care about more than just their product and content.