Posting Comments

POSTING COMMENTS

by Antonio C. Antonio

August 25, 2014

Most posted materials on social media have a specific topic, accompanying discussion and conclusion.  If the literary material follows in this simple order, the reader should have a clear understanding what the topic is all about and the message the writer wants to convey.  If the information mentioned is not sufficient, then the reader could either conduct an additional research before making a comment or ask questions to clarify his/her doubts.  Therefore, a basic understanding of the posted literary material is a must.

The following are the important elements in posting comments on Facebook or any social media forum:

FIRST:  Critical Thinking – Comments and questions should show clear evidence of critical thinking (meaning: the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment).  This should take the form of an application, an analysis, or a synthesis of the posted materials.  Oftentimes, it could also be by way of introducing new but relevant information and ideas on the posted material as a measure to help others understand the post further.

SECOND:  Professionalism – Posting comments and/or questions should be not done in a condescending manner.  One line in the prose/poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann (1927) states: “Even the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story…”.  Post with respect and civility.  Comments and questions should be well organized, well written, easy to understand, and never insulting.

The fun and friendliness of social media should not also be lost in the stiffness of decorum and protocol.  Laughs and jokes could also be exchanged so long as they are done with sense and “good taste”.  After all, social media is a venue to gaining friends aside from influencing people.

THIRD:  Referencing and Support – Plagiarism could also happen in posting comments or questions on social media.  Whenever facts are stated, these should be explicitly backed up by reference such as literary materials and technical papers.  It should be noted that most technical papers go through a peer-review process before such materials are published in widely accepted journals.  There are also other reliable sources of information from the internet but the link should always be provided/embedded in the comment-post.  Citing and referencing is equally important in posting questions and commentaries.

Following these simple “must haves” in posting commentaries or inquiries on social media will translate to a more productive and intelligent exchange of ideas.  Let us not post comments just for the sake of posting comments.

Just my little thoughts…

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