Skip to main content

Social media and digital content

Social media and digital platforms are communication tools that often fall outside of traditional writing rules for things like tone, hashtags, character limits, emojis, and platform differences. 

  • Avoid overusing hashtags.

  • Avoid using too many emojis in a single post, especially mid-sentence. 

    • While emojis can add tone or emphasis, screen readers will read out the description of each one, often in a way that disrupts the message. 

Example:

Post: So excited for Orientation week! 🎉🔥💙#OntarioTech

What a screen reader hears: So excited for Orientation week! party popper, fire, blue heart. Hashtag Ontario Tech.

This can be distracting or confusing for users relying on assistive technology. Use emojis at the end of posts when needed, and limit to 1 or 2. 

  • Capitalize multi-word hashtags (e.g., #OntarioTechPride).

  • Prioritize captions when sharing visual content.

  • Use plain language and a concise tone.