Social Media Ethics - Why You Should Give a Damn
Guest post by Simler, Astra Business Coaching
Let's go back in time to 2014…I was applying to a yoga conference here in South Florida, and I REALLY wanted to land the job. I took the plunge and as soon as I started the application process, I noticed I was asked for my Instagram handle three times in five minutes.
What if they don’t pick me because I only have a couple hundred followers? I thought. Hmm…do I dare? I have an extra 10 bucks, what’s the problem if it gets me the gig?
I know what you’re thinking and…yeah. I did it.
A quick Google search and an influx of notifications later, I was up to 1000+ followers.
Oh god, that feels so good to finally get that off my chest! ONCE UPON A TIME I BOUGHT FOLLOWERS!
Thankfully, my shady scheme flew enough under the radar that I didn't get kicked off the app for my shenanigans. (Cue huge sigh of relief.)
Years later, A LOT of cleanup, and thousands of real Instagram followers later, I’m sharing the story with you to acknowledge that vanity metrics are a hell of a drug. And it may be tempting to do something questionable because you see all these huge accounts.
But before you go doing something rash, keep reading! Because our social media can really reflect our beliefs and values to our audiences. And you should give a damn about what you’re saying about yourself to the world.
Here are 4 tips to help you navigate social media ethically:
Regramming & posting from other sites
Listen, just because you download it off Pinterest doesn't mean that it's yours to post. And putting #Regram doesn't make it OK either. The reality is that if it didn't come from your brain, you can get reported for copyright infringement.
Here's what to do instead: look back at your journals, emails, chats and pull a few quotes from this verbiage. You may have a few gems in your inbox just waiting to be unearthed! You can also grab these Moving Messages or Reels Quotes from the Your Social Team template store. These are ready-to-post blurbs that you have free reign to buy and use at your discretion.
Engagement groups & follow loops
This is also a big no-no. Besides the fact that they are against Instagram's Community Guidelines, they also set you up to get attention and interaction from accounts that may have nothing to do with what you are talking about or selling. These people may not be your target audience and who you hope to connect with or sell to…so why are you investing your precious time into an online relationship with them?
This is like sitting with the “cool” kids at the lunch table that you secretly hate. Do you really want to trade sodas with them, when you know you’re all just there for the clout?
Stupid easy (and ethical) ways to use content that’s not yours
I have a good example of this on my TikTok. I had a “Real imposters don’t have imposter syndrome” template I got from YST a while back and wanted to share its message and sentiment.
Legally, I had the rights to use this template as is, but I also didn’t want my audience to think I had written it myself, because I hadn’t.
Here’s what I did: Keep the template as is with the @yoursocialteam handle, and add a cute audio clip (“This is a reminder that you’re a sexy bad b*tch!”) to drive home the encouraging message!
In doing this, I was able to give Your Social Team proper credit, and still create an original piece of video content of my own.
What to do if you get in trouble
First of all, Instagram has every right to disable or even permanently delete your account if you violate their Community Guidelines or Terms of Use. And they can even do so without telling you first.
If your Instagram account was disabled, you’ll see a message when you try to log in.
If you think your account was disabled by mistake, you can appeal this by opening the Instagram app, entering your username and password, and then following the on-screen instructions.
Something else go wrong? You can report a problem by “rage shaking” (literally just shake!) your phone anywhere on the app, tapping "report a problem" and then writing a message to the Instagram team.
Questions or comments? I'll be hanging out on Instagram!
Best,
Fi
PS. This blog contains affiliate links.
Fi Simler is a trauma-mindful business coach who believes it’s time to give the middle finger to manipulative business practices. Your success lies in you letting go of hustle and embracing your humanity instead.
As a coach and and Instagram expert, she helps her clients create results sustainably from a space of embodiment and joy.
Fi is also a loved member of our community and part of both our Memberships.
You can find her at:
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