Do’s

• Do be careful what you post: Don’t post anything (i.e., pictures, rants, pet peeves) you wouldn’t want your grandmother (or future employer) to read. Once it is out there- you can’t get it back.
• Do be careful if you feel like you are getting consumed: If you can’t go more than one day without going online or if you need to spend multiple hours online, you need may need to “pull in the reigns” a little. 
• Do remember “private” does not actually mean private:  You can use the privacy settings, but not everyone will.  What you mark as private, others may cut, paste, and put on their site.  Your site may be private, but is theirs? 
• Do keep private things private.  If you wonder if something is private, then it probably is.  

Don’ts

• Don’t post suicidal threats or gestures: If you are suicidal tell someone you trust
• Don’t post anything when you are upset or under the influence: You don’t have to say everything you think or feel.
• Don’t use social media to settle a score: If anyone can be identified in a negative way- don’t post it. Don’t spread rumors to get even because someone did something you think is unfair.
• Don’t use social media as a replacement for actual face time:  A virtual life is not the same as an actual life.
• Don’t get caught up in the comparison of social media
• Don’t friend someone you do not know personally: You don’t have to friend everyone.
• Don’t take the bait: If others do not follow these rules, you don’t have to correct them. You don’t have to go back-and-forth defending yourself. 
• Don’t post where you are going to be: This is a big safety issue. Don’t schedule times and places you are going to meet on Facebook.  This opens you up to predators. 
• Don’t search for the negative: Checking to see if anyone is talking negatively about you will only make you feel negative.