After mastering the art of writing personal thoughts in 140 characters or less, you probably think you’re a pro when it comes to tweeting. However, a few rules should be followed in the Twitterverse.
While the rules are not written in stone, Twitter users have reached a common agreement on what is proper Twitter etiquette, or “Twitterquette.”
The first and one of the most important rules is the use of the infamous hashtag, or “pound” sign. Both new users and veterans are guilty of ignoring this rule. Every other word in a tweet should not be preceded by a hashtag. The hashtag should be added when users want to tweet about a similar topic, or Trending Topic as Twitter refers to it. Hashtags are also helpful when searching for topics through Twitter search.
Next is to give credit where it is due. Tweeting what someone else has written should either be retweeted, reposting word for word and including “RT” in front of the tweet, or by simply adding “via” to the beginning of the tweet if altering it to personal liking.
Another, more personal, rule is to avoid “subtweeting.” Subtweeting is indirectly tweeting about someone without actually addressing them.
“If you are bold enough to call someone out, then be bold enough to ‘@’ them. Subtweeting is for cowards,” Anissa Smalls, a senior in business administration, said. “Be careful when subtweeting because it could cause more drama than expected.”
When communicating with other users it is important to determine whether the conversation is one that can be public for everyone to see or if it should be kept private.
If it is okay for others to read the conversation you can simply reply or “@” the person you are communicating with, but if the conversation needs to be private it is best to direct message or “DM” the person. Direct messaging allows only the sender and addressed receiver to see the message.
It is also important to be mindful of tweeting in altered states of mind. Tweeting while high or drunk can lead to tweets that will later be regretted. Exposing embarrassing secrets about an ex will not have a positive outcome.
Keep in mind that Twitter is a social network created for entertainment. Using it as a diary to air out dirty laundry or emotions of depression is probably not a great idea.
“I think people should tweet without spilling too many of their feelings onto their page,” Whitney DesChamps, a junior in business administration, said. “Some stuff shouldn’t be tweeted. Keep your secrets to yourself.”
Tweeting every minute, thereby clogging other user’s timelines, can also create negative feelings in followers. Take a small break in between tweets so other user’s tweets don’t get buried underneath yours.
Also use discretion when tweeting. Tweeting phrases like, “Eating a sandwich” are pointless and can become annoying.
