Social media is one of the greatest tools on the planet for staying connected, but ironically, it's also potentially one of the most dangerous forces for tearing relationships apart.

Here are a few of the most dangerous and destructive behaviors that you should avoid at all costs. If you don't have the self-control to stop doing these things online, you, your relationships and the world would probably be a lot better off if you just deleted all your social media accounts.

If you want to protect your relationships and your own reputation, NEVER do the following...

1. Publicly criticize or vent about someone

Especially in marriage, one of your primary roles as a spouse is to protect your spouse. That protection is not only a physical protection but a protection of their honor. It is never appropriate to air someone else's dirty laundry in a public forum just to make yourself feel justified in your frustration towards them. This is also not a way to promote healing or growth in your relationship; it just creates a cycle of more resentment and dysfunction. Praise people publicly and if there's ever a need for criticism, always give it privately and humbly.

2. Post anything at all while you're angry or intoxicated

Anger and alcohol have one thing in common...they both make you say things that you'll usually regret later. Ranting while you're angry is kind of like throwing up...it might make you feel better, but it will make everyone around you feel sick.

3. Belittle people with opinions or beliefs different than your own

Especially in election seasons, I watch in disbelief as my "friends" from both sides of the aisle sling mud at one another on facebook. There's rarely healthy or meaningful dialogue or debate; only insults and generalizations. I'm a person of strong convictions and I hope you are as well, but climbing on to an online soapbox and shouting insults at those who disagree with us isn't a way to build relationships or win people to our way of thinking; it's just another way to damage relationships.

Here's the bottom line...every word you speak (whether online or in person) has lasting effects, so let wisdom guide your words. When I was a kid, Mom would say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!" I think that's especially good advice when it comes to social media.

Here's one final nugget of ancient wisdom to consider before you post a rant online..."Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent." Proverbs 11:12

This article was originally published on Patheos. It has been republished here with permission.