Using social media wisely

•    Be careful not to give away too much personal information about yourself online.

For example, only give out your block rather than room number if you’re trying to find other students living in your halls.

•    Be prepared for anything you post on social media to be accessible by anyone, and at any point in the future.

For example, even if you post an in-joke in a closed group, this material might get shared beyond those you initially intended (such as through a screenshot, or new members joining the group at a later date). When content is viewed out of its original context, it might take on a different meaning than was originally intended. Never assume that a post on social media will stay private (even on closed profiles or groups).

•    Be aware of the impact of your posts on other people.

For example, you might choose to post your opinions on someone else in a way which you think makes the person anonymous to your audience. How can you be sure this person remains anonymous, and how might this person feel if they saw the post themselves? Also, pay careful consideration to the language you use - could someone consider a term to be offensive? Be careful to never use somebody else’s name without their consent. Think, if you wouldn’t say something in real life, then you shouldn’t be saying it online. You should be mindful of where the boundaries between lawful free speech and harassment or misconduct might be. You can find more information on these webpages.  

•    Be an Active Bystander.

We need our online communities to feel safe and supportive. For example, you might see a post published by a friend which discriminates against a particular group of people. If it feels safe to do so, tell them that the post makes you uncomfortable. If you don’t feel like it’s a situation where you can intervene, you might consider reporting it to the University or an external organisation. There is, of course, lots of support available from Student Services if you ever need it.

•    Be career conscious.

Whether you are on a professional programme or not, make sure you consider how what you say now might affect your opportunities and reputation in the future. Students must comply with any professionalism and confidentiality codes of conduct for your particular study discipline or research area.

•    Be aware that not all “jokes” are funny.

Posting jokes, memes or comments that are bullying or harassing in nature, or which are aimed at people belonging to protected characteristics, may be considered to have breached University discipline regulations and you will be held to account for such comments/posts. This applies whether you are the author of the post, or just sharing, commenting or liking someone else’s post.

All Keele students are bound by our IT Acceptable Use Policy which outlines the standard of behaviour expected when you are communicating online and on social networking platforms (see the IT Regulations). Please be aware that the University may take disciplinary action against individuals who misuse social media.