Online rules are called netiquette. They make for easier communication among people.
Security Settings
You can set up levels of privacy for who can see what you put online.
On twitter and instagram you can make the account private so you approve each person who can see what you write or photos you share.
On LinkedIn there is not as much control. You can have a public profile and a profile of past jobs that only people you have chosen to connect with can see.
On Google+ there are circles that you can choose to put people in and only share with some circles.
On Facebook there are friend groups. You can set up groups so that you can share only with workmates, or your family, only close friends or acquaintances. You can set up so that what is public is only your photo or any amount of detail you choose.
There is no private
Be accountable for anything you put into a computer. What is online never disappears even if you delete it, it can screen captured and resurface.
Be discrete. Never say anything negative about your company, your former company, your boss, or your coworkers. You never know what may wind up being forwarded, whether it’s intentional or an accidental slip of the finger on the “send” button.
Protect your password
Don’t share your passwords and when in public cafés, don’t let your screen be seen. With passwords people can change your information.
If your friends say you have a second Facebook account, your password is probably not stolen. Computer programs are circulating which scrape public information off your page and make another account to gain access to your contacts. They then send them spam. You can report the fake account to Facebook and post to friends that the second account is not you.
Short and Sweet.
Online, the fewer words, the better.
No Shouting
When you are on social media, ALL CAPS means yelling and makes it difficult to read. Avoid this, and avoid excess punctuation. You may want to say Thanks!!!!!! but in all other cases one period is enough.
Read Twice
You can save emails as draft and come back later. Check your spelling, grammar, and tone of the message.
Be Kinder than You Need to Be
Flamewars are when people rant or name call or continue to fight in a public forum. A fight in person last less long than online.
Acronyms
There are short forms that people use online. A few common ones include:
AFAIK – As far as I know
BRB – be right back
BTW – By the way
FWIW – For what it’s worth
LOL – Laughing out loud
ICYMI: – In case you missed it
POV – Point of view
TY – Thank you