Just like “no elbows on the table” is a dining rule, people should also mind their manners in this social media space

Poke. Poke. Tag. Poke. Tag. Poke.

Oh, the Facebook poke. Do you poke back? Is poke code for “hello”? What’s the difference between a poke from a friend and a poke from a co-worker?

All this poke talk and no idea what you should do? Here’s the best solution to deal with the pokes: ignore them. It’ll save you embarrassment. You don’t want a co-worker announcing at the next meeting, “I poked you!” Instead, send the person a private message or add them as a friend (if you know them, of course). Unless you poke someone with your finger in person, you should resist doing it with a mouse.

According to research compiled by Orange, an international telecommunications company, almost two-thirds of people on social networks (such as Facebook, Myspace or Bebo) are frustrated and confused by online etiquette. Also, more than a quarter of those surveyed were uncertain about how to respond to unwelcome “pokes” or messages.

With more than 150 million active users spending three billion plus minutes each day on Facebook, this social media application has become part of our daily lives, and manners can’t be an afterthought just because it’s an online tool.

Below are 11 Facebook etiquette rules that users should follow to ensure proper, courteous and respectable use (reference: Debretts and Orange):

1. Wait 24 hours before accepting or removing someone as a friend. During that time, decide if you feel comfortable sharing personal information with that person.

2. You don’t have to become friends with people you don’t know. Think before you poke or request someone to be your friend.

3. Don’t upload profile pictures that you wouldn’t feel comfortable appearing on the front page of the New York Times. This space can be just that public.

4. #3 applies to posting photos of friends too. Ask for their permission before you do.

5. For important events, don’t only rely on “virtual” cards. Virtual cards tend to get buried in e-mails, and you don’t want someone to forget a special occasion.

6. Block your profile so that only your selected friends and co-workers can see it. Click “privacy” toward the top of your Facebook page and you’ll have the ability to change your settings. You can decide who sees what.

7. Even if you think you’ve blocked what you needed to, double check and have a friend check from their profile. Potential companies looking to hire you will search and go out of their way to find someone who can access your full profile to see if you’re hiding any inappropriate behavior that may risk their company’s reputation.

8. Don’t agree with a news article, photo or Web link that someone posted? Refrain from posting a harsh comment on Facebook for all of your friends and theirs to see. Instead, write the person a private Facebook message.

9. Don’t spam people with invitations to participate in an online game unless you’ve asked them personally or they have asked you. Sorry, but some people don’t believe that throwing a staple at an alien is the best use of their time or attention.

10.Keep your profile updated and visit often. Take the time to read what people and friends are posting and writing on your wall. Don’t be blind-sighted if someone suddenly asks, “So you went and partied in Cancun last week?”

11. As with public relations, the best policy is always honesty, but it is also essential to show restraint and realize that broadcasting your opinions, point of view and personal feelings can have unintended consequences both positive and negative.

Have questions? Still debating if you should poke your boss and request them as a friend? If so, let us know.

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