April 13, 2015
Alexander Nedd
[email protected]
Social media is a thing. It has been since 2004 with the introduction of “The Facebook.”
Since then, Facebook has become a staple in our lives. From the way we get our news to how we keep in touch with our elementary school friend now attending college in another state, it’s lengthened our reach around the world.
So it pains me to see friends, coworkers and family members use Facebook in such a brazenly wrong fashion.
But this quick guide can help even the most troubled offender regain ground in the social media world. With a social media internship and two active accounts, I have learned the rights and wrongs of Facebook firsthand. And boy, are there wrongs.
First and foremost, stop sending game invites.
When I scroll through my phone and see a notification, I expect it to be on a matter that I posted such as a reminder of a friend’s birthday or upcoming event, not to Candy Crush for the 16th time.
By now everyone knows what games can be played on Facebook. You inundating my notifications with garbage is a one-way ticket to being blocked without a second thought. Try me, mom.
Also, poking has got to go. It’s just weird and a feature Facebook itself doesn’t quite grasp.
Do not post your drama with a friend over any type of social media.
As entertaining as it might be for the rest of us, and as trampy as that girl might seem to you, it’s not our business (nor do we really care) about a scuffle you had with another individual.
It’s pointless, tacky and does not solve the original problem. Gawkers, do not add fuel to the fi re by liking and commenting.
Know your audience or at least your privacy settings.
Most of us have friends who might have parents on Facebook or other notable contacts important to keep in our lives. Posting about your epic Saturday night full of booze and less than glamourous clothing is OK… for yourself.
Don’t tag your friends who might have other contacts who can see that posted content.
While customizable settings can limit a picture’s reach, don’t be the reason why a friend didn’t make it into grad school. Once it’s online, it’s never coming back.
It should go without saying that any type of bullying or harassment is uncalled for. Facebook is about interacting with one another, not tearing each other down. Your content should reflect the golden rule: do unto others as you would have others do to you.
Do not whine. We are all entitled to be upset, but let your postings have variety. No one wants to read about someone’s miserable life day in and day out.
That’s a good way to be unfriended by others who simply aren’t sympathetic the 29th time you post “Why does no one like me?” You’ve basically asked and answered your own question.
Do not post selfies all the time. The occasional picture is acceptable but not a full photo shoot of nothing but you in different outfits and poses. If your timeline is nothing but you, you have a problem.
A good timeline will feature engaging and appropriate posts for your audience, a variety of pictures that include your friends and your budding interests. If your timeline doesn’t reflect this diversity, then it’s time to evaluate what you post and why.
A great timeline keeps friends engaged and curious about your postings, increasing likes and shares.
Trust me, you can’t go wrong learning these quick rules. So please do, or risk being blocked.