Responsible Use of Social Media in Our Everyday Lives
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
We are living in an age where social media has become an inseparable part of our daily lives. Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and many other platforms have made communication easier, faster, and more accessible than ever before. We can connect with people across continents within seconds, share our thoughts, exchange information, and remain in touch with friends and family.
However, while technology has made communication easier, it seems that we sometimes forget the basic manners and social responsibilities that should accompany it. Just because technology allows us to do something does not necessarily mean that we should do it. Like every other aspect of social interaction, social media also requires ethics, etiquette, and consideration for others.
One simple example is adding someone to a WhatsApp or other social media group. We should never add people to groups without asking their permission first. Everyone has different interests, priorities, and commitments. Some people may not want to be part of a particular discussion or receive dozens of notifications throughout the day. It is always better to ask before adding someone. If the person agrees and accepts the invitation, a simple thank-you message is a polite gesture. Remaining completely silent after someone accepts your invitation can sometimes appear rather strange or indifferent.
Another important issue is privacy. Going live on social media, recording videos or taking photographs involving other people should never be done without considering their consent. Not everyone feels comfortable appearing publicly on social media. Some people prefer to keep their personal lives private, and that preference deserves respect. Before starting a live broadcast or sharing a video in which others appear, it is good manners to ask for their permission.
Similarly, tagging people in photographs or posts without any connection to the subject is unnecessary. Why should someone be tagged in a photograph in which they are not present or in a post with which they have no connection? Tagging should have a genuine purpose rather than being used simply to attract attention or increase engagement.
Perhaps one of the most common and overlooked problems nowadays is the routine forwarding of good morning, good night, and other greeting messages every single day, often without even adding a personal word. Although the intention may be friendly, such habits can unintentionally create an obligation for the recipient to respond. Imagine receiving 30, 40 or even 50 good morning messages every morning. Does everyone have enough time to open, read, and reply to each one? People have jobs, families, responsibilities and personal challenges. Some may appreciate these greetings, while others may find the constant notifications overwhelming.
A genuine personal message, sent occasionally and with a few thoughtful words, is often much more meaningful than a forwarded picture or a repetitive greeting. Communication should bring people closer, not create another daily task for them.
There is also another sensitive matter worth considering: displaying food and expensive meals on social media. While everyone has the freedom to share their personal experiences, we should also remain aware of the realities of the world around us. Millions of people struggle to find even one proper meal a day. Many families face hunger and financial hardship. Constantly displaying lavish dining tables, expensive dishes, and food celebrations may be insensitive, particularly when presented without any thought for those who cannot afford necessities.
This does not mean that people should never share their meals, celebrations, or happy moments. Rather, it is about developing a little sensitivity and understanding of the circumstances of others. Happiness does not always need to be displayed, and every personal experience does not necessarily need to become public content.
Ultimately, social media is a tool, and its value depends on how we use it. It can educate, inspire, connect, and support people, but it can also become a source of disturbance, unnecessary pressure, and discomfort when used without consideration.
We should remember a few simple principles: ask before adding someone to a group, respect privacy before recording or broadcasting, tag people only when relevant, avoid unnecessary repetitive messages, and think about others before displaying things that may hurt their feelings.
Above all, we should remember that there is a human being on the other side of every screen. That person has their own time, preferences, emotions, responsibilities, and private life.
Good social media etiquette does not require money, education, or special technical knowledge. It simply requires common sense, empathy, and respect.
In today’s connected world, responsible use of social media is not just a good habit; it is a social responsibility.
Read: Social Media, Freedom and the State
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
