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How to be cyber cool parents

By on November 26, 2018

There was a time not too long ago when keeping in touch with school buddies and families by phone and e-mails sufficed.

It’s a different story today, with websites like Instagram and Facebook serving as the most trendy and popular forms of social networking – and they’re not just about staying in touch. This is a cyber realm built for people to hang out and chill online.

And as with most of us kids, being around others also means maintaining a hip and happening persona. To accomplish this, follow these ten tips to achieve cyber coolness.

1. Keep Cool Think back to the day you first met the coolest person you know. Did you know everything about him or her then? A bit of mystery goes a long way. So, in lieu of long lists of favorite movies and music, simply name a few titles to give a general idea of what you like. Keep your blog and your diaries separate, too; notify your pals of only the special things. Avoid over-sharing!

2. Do I Know You? We’ve always associated having a billion BFFs with being popular. Classifying everyone who drops a request your way as “friends” does not necessarily equate to popularity or hip-ness. What does? Keeping your real buddies close. They’ll have your back and leave unwanted drama out of the way.

3. Say Cheese! Pictures are worth a thousand words, so make sure to upload that initial photo of you to your profile. It helps people recognize you and rest assured that you really are yourself. And do share photos of your class trips, fun times with your friends and family, your cute pets, and even your own artwork. They’re fun for others to see! Just make sure to keep it all in clean, good-natured fun.

4. Keep it Real Show off your personality by decorating and customizing your profiles. Just keep it minimal and classy! For Instagrammers, picking artsy photos and your favorite color schemes are a great way of expressing yourself, so get to it!

5. Say What? Jenny writes a blog entry about Ben sleeping in class, you leave a comment with an “LOL” to express your sentiment, not knowing an embarrassed Ben is reading that post! OMG! Comments on blogs, profiles, or “walls” are public domain, and can be seen by pretty much anybody. If you’d like to share some funnies in private, use the messaging feature!

6. R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Jenny up there may not have been the most considerate friend, but you don’t have to go that route! Remember, respecting your friends makes you all the more respectable yourself.

7. Easy on the Waves Some sites have various little widgets here and there intended solely for fun, such as the “Wave” feature . Use them in good spirit and moderation.

8. Step Back To appear cool, having too much time on your hands is a no-no, and frequent activity on your profile shows that. Making yourself ‘seen’ every other day is a better bet.

9. Watch Your Back Sometimes it’s hard to tell who is up to what on the Internet, so avoid fishy virtual strangers as well. Sometimes that kid your age from another country that shares your love for Top 40 hits and Harry Potter films is anything but.

10. Go Outside! This may be the era of technology, but nothing beats going outside and making memories. Make plans to meet up with friends as often as possible. It’s very healthy to use your Instagram or Facebook for what it is first and foremost: simply social.

About Enrique Garcs