What Mom taught me about Social Media

My dear sweet mother is 78 years old. She did not grow up in the world of Twitter, Facebook, Ning sites, My Space, LinkedIN or anything else social media. My mother does not use a computer, and she thinks I am speaking a foreign language when I mention social media. Even so, I have learned more about social media from Mom than any other source. This is what Mom taught me about social media.

1. Be yourself. People will know if you are not sincere.
2. Be polite at all times. 
3. Do not "say" anything you would not want me (your mother) to hear.
4. Listen to what people have to "say". 
5. Be conversant. Do not hog the conversation.
6. People will trust you if they know and like you. 
7. To make "friends" you need be a friend.
   
8. Friendships should be nurtured and not taken for granted.
9. Support your "friends". Help them get their word out by "sharing" when appropriate.
   
10. Share your knowledge. You never know who might be in need of your help.
11. Know when you to be silent.
    
12. You do not have to be "friends" with everyone.  
13. Everyone is not your "friend". Do not become "friends" with just anyone.
    
14. Some people you just have to "ignore".
15. Unfortunately, some people you have to "block" from your life.
    
16. Keep private things private.
17. Once you "say" it. You may not be able to take it back.
18. Nothing compares to face to face meetings. 
19. Get together with friends when possible.
    
20. And above all, HAVE FUN, life is too short not to enjoy it.