Social Media Etiquette 101

The Internet isn't usually known for the civility of its inhabitants - and one might argue that the general anarchy that reigns over the Web is a major part of its charm - but every once in a while a little politeness is exactly what the doctor ordered.

The question is...what exactly passes for etiquette online? I don't remember a lot of Ann Landers columns on the subject.

Thankfully, Zoosk has come to the rescue with its latest survey. Zoosk surveyed thousands of members about proper etiquette on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. It looks like pretty much everyone - both singles and couples - have embraced social media, but most are cautious about how much they reveal about their love lives online.

Here's what they had to say...

Social media can clash with professional ambitions.

• 60% of participants said they are cautious about posting romantic posts on their social media profiles, for fear that their co-workers might react negatively.
• 64% admitted that they would be more likely to post about their love lives if they weren't Facebook friends with fellow employees.
• 38% have a strict no-dating-related-posts policy.

Men and women have different views on date night updates.

• Women are more interested in their friends date night updates than men.
• 51% of women said they like to see their friends' romantic photos and statuses.
• But only 37% of men said the same.

Technology, for all its faults, can be beneficial to relationships too.

• Technology is used for both private and public expressions of love.
• 81% of couples say they use technology to interact with each other throughout the day.
• 60% of couples say the main role social media plays in their relationship is public declarations of love, or sharing updates on their relationship with family and friends. Who doesn't secretly want to show off, just a little bit?

Texting is a lot more romantic than it seems.

• 78% of Zoosk users prefer a romantic text to an affectionate Facebook post or Tweet. Ok, maybe we're not such big show offs after all...

If you're ready to join the tech-savvy masses and incorporate social media into your love life, the experts offer the following advice:

• Use your professional filter. If you wouldn't say it in a job interview, don't post it to your social media profile. Better safe than sorry.
• Utilize privacy functions. They're there for a reason! Keep your personal and professional lives separate.
• Stay on the same page. How much is your partner comfortable revealing online? Have an open, honest discussion about your respective comfort levels and only post what you're both willing to share publically.

For more information on the dating site which brought us this survey you can check out our Zoosk review.