Avoiding Media Mishaps — Made Easy!
Let’s face it: kids these days are so much more into social media than parents of any age today could fully understand. Not to mention, “hip lingo,” (lameness intended) changes every year, meaning that parents’ coolness levels will never compare. I, in particular, have never been what those kids call, “cool,” nor will I ever be! Rest assured, when I have kids of my own, I will be so out!
I will, however, be able to keep my embarrassment online down a little by following a few simple steps:
1. Never try to act cool. Trust me, we think At least the kids will laugh and think I’m funny! But on social media platforms you won’t hear the laughter and it will most likely be at you rather than with you. This also includes trying to know the cool language kids are using. Don’t try to know that either. And certainly don’t use it if you do. Kids are kids for a reason — no need to try and jump in, it will save you and your kids much embarrassment!
2. Don’t post anything inappropriate. Even just little swear words, if your kids or their friends can see it, it’s not right and you don’t need other parents mad at you and you don’t need to support the bad behavior.
3. Learn the ways to delete certain posts. Have a spelling mistake? Change it. Realize you just posted on your son’s wall, but meant to send him a message of encouragement? Delete it and resend it via message! Realized you just posted the tenth chain message this week? DELETE. Not knowing how to fully operate certain interfaces is one of us “grown-ups” biggest avoidable mistakes.
4. Learn how to use the platform you’re on! As if the last post wasn’t obvious enough. Don’t send a comment when you mean to send a message. Don’t send out pictures, when you mean to change your default. Learn the platform you’re using early on and watch videos or search the web for any additional information.
5. Stop blaming auto-correct. Review every post before you submit it, auto-corrects and typos are uncalled for and can be quite embarrassing!
You’re kids don’t have to be embarrassed by you AND you can keep a close eye on them online simultaneously — it doesn’t have to be a battle. Remember my few tips and listen to your kids!
Written by Canisius College Marketing Student, Jacklyn Steffen.
