What would Jane Austen do? A guide to social media etiquette

Jane Austen novels are full of characters who make astounding social errors.

From Mr. Collins over-ingratiating himself with Lady Catherine de Bourgh in “Pride and Prejudice,” to Emma’s very cruel and very public snubbing of Mrs. Bates in “Emma,” Austen’s novels illustrate perfectly how not to behave. And though they were written 200 years ago, the social lessons translate to 2014.

Take social media. Much has been written about bad manners and blunders on social media, but here are a few I’ve experienced recently, discussed in the context of Austen’s most uncivil characters.

Facebook over-sharing

We all have “friends” who do this. Barrage us with images of food they’ve cooked, food they’re about to eat in a restaurant, drinks they’re about to consume, people they’re about to consume the drinks with.