How To Use Social Media While On Vacation (Without Making Everyone Hate You)

Almost everyone has at least one social media “friend” who overshares mercilessly, and although it's fun to see the occasional amazing vacation photo, no one needs 68 shots of the same coastline every day. Don't be that friend! Here are some helpful hints on how to use social media while on vacation (without making everyone hate you).

Use Limited Sharing Options

We know, you think you're hilarious. Sadly, not everyone does.

Use Facebook's friend list feature to separate out work friends, basic "online" friends, and the really close friends who want to see what you're doing. When you post a vacation album, share it only with the close friends. And this way you minimize the possibility of offending co-workers and potential employers. There is almost never a reason to use the public setting for your photos!

Choose Wisely...Once A Day

No one is as excited about your vacation as you are, no matter how much they love you. Pick the best shots from your trip, just two or three maximum per day. And please, no one needs to see serious PDA pics with your partner. Also, remember, your friends aren't with you. Caption your photos so it's clear why you're posting it; sometimes context makes the photo.

Share In Person

Remember those people you live with and see everyday? Show them pics in person. And when you are with them, do not direct them to go on Facebook. Spend time with them, not dueling over the Internet.

Selfie Sunday

Cosmopolitan / Via cosmopolitan.com

You're driving everyone nuts with your selfies: it's Science.

Recent research proves that everyone hates your selfies. Okay, not exactly, but it does prove that people who post too many selfies annoy even their closest friends. The only people who really want to see selfies at all are very close to you, and it's a fact: even your inner circle gets sick of them if you overdo it. We suggest doing Selfie Sunday: limit yourself to once a week at normal times, and on vacation stick to the once daily select shot (and not always of you).

Enough With The Weather

Everyone knows that Arizona is miserably hot in Summer and pleasant in February, just like we all know that the Bahamas is a better place to be in January than, say, Detroit. It is downright irritating to constantly weather brag when it's nice where you are and miserable somewhere else. And PS: everyone at home may be digging their way out of snow while you're on the beach, but you'll be back in a week doing the same thing, so stop it.

Wait Until Later

Don't post as you go. Not only is it too much for everyone else, you're missing your trip as you're messing with your phone! If that view is so amazing, put down the phone and look at it! And be present with your companions. You'll be glad you made these choices later.

Stop Tagging

You might think that pic is hilarious or cute, but your friend might find it embarrassing. Choose flattering photos—and just one or two. Better yet, ask first. If the person isn't actually in the photo, be very certain you should actually tag them. Those huge, spammy multi-person tags are an automatic de-friend for many of us. And remember: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas (or wherever); don't tag in embarrassing pics or shots that should have stayed private.

People, Not Places

I get it, the Greek Islands are absolutely stunning. But even the most avid fans of travel and/or you can't enjoy endless shots of the Mediterranean and charming white houses. Pick the best shots and take out duplicates. And most people are more interested if there are people they know in the shot too.

Don't Be An Idiot

What Should We Call Social Media tumblr / Via tumblr.com

Really?

Photos that make it online make it into Google searches, and that is one of the first thing someone who gets your resume is going to do. Think it through before you post it.

You can do it! Just be smart about how much you're sharing and how you share it, and soon you'll be everyone's favorite social media friend. Oh, and have a nice trip!