Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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Respectfully Addressing a Tragedy on Social Media

13 Jun 2016 By: Diane Gottsman

In light of the horrific tragedy in Orlando, I am sharing a few thoughts regarding how to navigate social media.

Social Media During Tragedy

Whether a personal loss or a national disaster, we all grieve differently. Some people want to show their support by changing their social media profile picture or posting heartfelt updates. Others prefer to grieve in silence or pull their children closer to their chest.

1. Post respectfully.
First and foremost, I believe we should be respectful of those viewing our feed. While you may feel strongly about an issue, once you become aggressive or combative, you lose your power. People are most receptive to someone who appears genuine and caring.

2. Practice understanding.
Just because a friend or family member has not acknowledged a tragedy on social media does not mean they don’t care. Some people don’t wish to share publicly, but they are still deeply affected.

3. No judgment.
This is not the time to turn on each other. If you don’t like what someone is saying, allow me to repeat what I have said in the past… Hide, ignore, delete. Period.

4. Consider how to help.
Often we feel powerless when terrible things happen, wondering what we can do to assist the grieving families. There are many small gestures that can start a ripple effect of compassion. It could mean donating to the victims’ families, volunteering in your own community, or talking with your children about how important it is to be one of the “helpers” in the world.

5. Kindness binds us.
While social media has been around for a very long time, this is still new territory when it comes to posting about tragedies on social media. Our political leaders are urging us to unite and stand together. That’s the mantra we should seek to live out daily.

Most importantly, we should keep the victims of the Orlando attack and their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.