Using social media wisely

Whether you’re an avid Tweeter, or Insta’s more your thing, it’s important to use social media responsibly at all times. Doing this protects you, and others too.

  • 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.
  • 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 a member of our #NeverOK community. 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. For example, there are often stories in the media where celebs suffer negative repercussions for something they tweeted before they were famous. 
  • 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, will 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 someone else’s post. 

Thinking of creating a social media page or group while at Uni?

You might decide it would be beneficial to set up a page or group related to your course, or even an outside interest while you’re at Uni – it’s perfectly acceptable to do this, and such groups can be great ways to increase learning or offer support to peers. If you do this, please remember to:

  • Name the group in a way which helps other students find it
  • Avoid using Keele logos or associated imagery for profile, banner and post images – so that it’s clear to everyone that this isn’t a social media presence which is professionally affiliated to the University
  • Have multiple admins for a group
  • Ask us if you’re unsure – email us on comms.digital@keele.ac.uk

Take a look at the student social media policy for more information. More information on online behaviour is available in our IT conditions of use. Please be aware that the University may take disciplinary action against individuals who misuse social media.

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