What You Should and Shouldn’t Do When Meeting a New Friend through Social Media

Meeting new friends through social media can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it's important to be mindful of certain dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth transition from online to offline. This article will guide you through the etiquette of social media friendships and provide you with tips to make the most of your new connections.

Dos and Don’ts when Meeting a New Friend through Social Media

Dos:

Ask About Their Interests: Learn about their hobbies, interests, and activities by asking questions. If you met through a game, inquire about other games they play. If you connected through an art site, ask about their preferred artistic styles. Be a Good Listener: Show genuine interest in what they have to say. Active listening builds trust and establishes a stronger bond. Be Calm, Friendly, and Easy-Going: Maintain a relaxed and friendly demeanor to create a comfortable atmosphere. This initial friendliness can help break the ice and make the first meeting less awkward. Ask about Books, Fandoms, Activities, and More: Mention things like books, TV shows, movies, games, and other hobbies. See if they have any connections or shared interests. Discuss Recent Events: Talk about current events or trending topics. This can provide natural conversation starters and help you find common ground. Make Innocent Jokes: Share some lighthearted humor. However, ensure that the jokes and humor are appropriate and not controversial or offensive.

Dont’s:

Avoid Asking for Personal Information: Do not inquire about their full name, location, school, or any other sensitive details. Sharing too much information too quickly can be intrusive and uncomfortable. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Content: Refrain from sharing explicit photos, identifying locations, or displaying personal identification documents. Privacy is crucial on social media platforms. Avoid Controversial Topics: Avoid discussing sensitive or controversial political, religious, or social issues until you have a better understanding of each other’s perspectives. Avoid Being Overbearing: Do not act clingy or force them to go offline. Give them space to continue their online life and adapt to the transition at their own pace. Avoid Demoting Yourself: Refrain from self-deprecating comments or making derogatory remarks about yourself. This can come across as negative and diminish your image. Avoid Demanding Other Methods of Contact: Do not pressure them to use alternative communication methods like text, phone, or meet in person initially. Wait for them to show interest and propose a casual meeting. Avoid Excessive Self-Centered Conversation: Keep the conversation balanced by discussing their interests and experiences. Avoid talking only about yourself and making them feel like they have to reply directly to you. Avoid Constant or Weirder Compliments: Compliments can be nice, but be genuine and avoid making them too frequent or too strange. It can come across as insincere or inappropriate.

Transitioning from Social Media Friends to Real-Life Friends

When you and your new friend are comfortable with each other, it's possible that some of the behaviors mentioned in the don’ts may become acceptable. However, it's crucial to remember that the don'ts are guidelines to help you build a solid foundation of trust and respect from the outset.

How to Modify Off-Putting Sentences

Here are some examples of how to replace off-putting sentences with more friendly and appropriate alternatives:

Wrong Right What’s your name? What can I call you? Where do you live? Where are you from? Nope, I hate that! Not really a fan. ~úwù//~ :] You’re hot! I like your hair! Lmao my dad went to jail for beating my mum My dad’s not with me right now. God you’re dumb if you did that … Well, that’s not so great … Nooooo don’t go! Just a little more!! Oh well, can we talk again tomorrow maybe? Yeah it happened because I’m the like the most stupid smooth brain dummy I know!!!! XDDD It was so funny, you should have seen me!! I just went “Whoops!” XDDD Oh god I can’t STAND James Charles he should burn in the same ditch as furries! I don’t watch James Charles and I don’t really get furries, sorry ˉ_ツ_/ˉ

Conclusion: Remember, social media friendships are not the same as real-life friendships. While you can have fun and build connections online, it's important to be cautious and respectful when transitioning to a more personal relationship. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for both you and your new online friend.