Facebook Etiquette

Was reading an article by a CNN columnist Douglas Rushkoof- why I quit facebook. He had some interesting points. But that isn’t the purpose of my article. It got me thinking about the do’s and don’ts of facebook. 

    So, what is considered proper behaviour on facebook? Well, after a little digging around, I discovered there is a wealth of knowledge on the very subject. So, here is most of what I can find, plus a few of mine.

Let’s start with the NO-NO’s- DONTS

1.        Avoid adding strangers. Unless I missed the memo by facebook saying there were prizes for the most number of friends. Seriously though, scam artists operate via facebook too. Also, remember that your friends also say a lot about you.

2.       Avoid putting all your data out there. Not everyone NEEDs to know everything about you via facebook updates. The close people in your life know you and tend to know what’s up especially when its good news like upcoming nuptials and a baby. Plus identity theft is real. So it helps to keep something’s to the chest. That way, the person doesn’t just become your friend on facebook, to read your profile.

3.       Your friends do not require a blow by blow recount of your day e.g. just took a leak.... BORING.....  It helps to keep your updates spicy and meaningful.

4.       Avoid venting about your work on facebook. It is after all a social platform open to the public. Trust me, many have been burned by this very act.

5.       Tagging people...... try to respect people’s privacy. Not everyone wants to be tagged in every picture especially when it is an unflattering shot. That said, if you notice a friend doesn’t even have a profile picture up, then it might be best to play along and not tag him or her when u post your picture. Just a thought.

6.       No rude or disrespectful comments about people. This almost seems like a no brainer, right? But remember, what you consider funny might be rude to someone else. Also, just cause you deleted something doesn’t mean it hasn’t already reached its target audience and might affect you or a friend’s a career.

7.       Share personal information with your close friends and family 1^st, before posting it on facebook.

Something to always remember is facebook is a social platform, and anything you say is forever in the anals of history. Okay okay, that might have been a bit of an exaggeration. But remember, employers too, check your facebook profile.

 DO’s

1.       Respond when people post on your timeline. It helps to keep the wheels of facebook friendship well oiled.

2.       Say happy birthday or other greetings on facebook but also try to send in more personal forms of greetings like a text or a call.

3.       Have fun. That’s what it was created for...... at least, that’s what I think.

Below are some links for further information on facebook etiquette-

Essential facebook etiquette -10 dos and don’ts – Michael Poh

Revealing the unwritten, and often complicated, rules of facebook – Allison Cross

At the end of the day, no one is bound to these rules. Whether you do or don’t agree with these rules, it helps to remember - everything you post has consequences.