7 social media resolutions for 2015

From trying new networks to keeping social media out of the bedroom, here are seven resolutions you can work on in 2015.

1. Mute more people on Twitter.

The 140-character social network blessed us with the ability to mute users in 2014. That means you can do all the followbacks and courtesy follows you want, and you won't get stuck scrolling through undesirable tweets.

If you don't know where to start, don't worry: We have a few recommendations of who to mute first.

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2. Keep up with LinkedIn connections.

For some people, LinkedIn is social media kryptonite. Sure, you're great with Facebook and Twitter, but something about the site's lean toward networking makes it much more challenging. You're not just being yourself, you're being your most polished, professional self.

However, for those who know how to wield it, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for networking and branching out. Check out these eight power tips and tricks from Mashable, or these 10 simple steps from LinkedIn itself to boost your experience.

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3. Delete (or download) those mobile apps.

This resolution goes out to all the folks constantly thumbing the Twitter app on their smartphones. Unless you're required to always be tapped in for work or personal reasons, wean yourself off your social supply by getting rid of your social media apps.

But we also have a resolution for people with the opposite problem. If you want to be more socially active, make room in your phone's memory for apps. The constant presence might encourage you to post the occasional Facebook or Tumblr post.

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4. Clean out your Facebook friends list.

This might make Mark Zuckerberg sad, but it has to be done.

Unlike Twitter, Facebook made it really easy to hide people a long time ago. However, also unlike Twitter, Facebook shuffles around the stuff you see on your News Feed based on your activity and who you interact with. Just cut the dead weight already and keep the friends you actually want.

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5. Keep it out of bed.

It's tempting to check your notifications and refresh your feed just one last time before bed – or to check it first thing in the morning.

That can be a harmful habit, and starts your day off with Internet clutter from the start. Plus, using tech before going to bed can seriously mess up your sleep. Is refreshing your Twitter feed really worth ruining your slumber? Probably not.

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6. Try a new network.

Maybe you've grown weary of the popular go-to networks, like Facebook, Instagram or Vine. Dip your toes into some fresher waters by signing up for newer networks.

You could check out Ello, the anti-authoritarian network that refuses to show ads. Or you could download Yo, the ultra simple, gimmicky app that has become much more aggressively social. Perhaps you could step up your selfie game with photo app Shots, before it soon gets acquired by Twitter, according to strong rumors.

Or maybe try dusting off your Google+ account?* Wait, where are you going? Don't click out of this article! We're just kidding!

(*No hard feelings, Google.)

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7. Think before you snap.

Long ago, Snapchat was the ultimate peek-a-boo app. You could send and receive pictures from your friends, but the images disappeared almost instantly.

Now, Snapchat is constantly evolving. You can send full stories, easily screenshot images and even transfer money to friends. There's also a "replay" function for photos and videos, in case someone wants to check out your post twice.

However, all these additions have a downside. Continuing 2014's disgusting photo-hacking frenzy, thousands of Snapchat images were leaked in October from a third-party app and posted online. It's not quite the secure app users once thought it was. Let 2015 be the year you think twice before you send something potentially incriminating.

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