Alrighty, I'm going to go there. Yep, I know. I
really shouldn't. I should just keep my mouth shut and hope that everyone just
learns one day on their own. If you read my previous posts, you know that I am
all about positivity and being the change. I really think we all have the
capability, the power, to change the world for the better. So, today, I am
changing facebook. I know. It's a feat that may be even too grandiose for my
meager blog post, but, hey, something is better than just complaining about it.
I’d love to teach a course on it, but I don’t think it would draw the crowd
that I imagine captivating in my mind.
So, what’s the issue worth blogging about when I
haven’t posted in over a year? To sum it up, this message is direct toward
those who seem to have no idea what sort of image they are portraying to the
digital world with each horrid post (or like). Yes, I said horrid [insert
screeching, knife-wielding-killer sound here]. As I read the posts in question,
I cringe at what those who read it must think about the poster. Since these
posters are on my “friend” list, it stands to reason that I do in fact know
them personally, and they are good, decent people (would I friend anyone less?)…at
least that’s how they portray themselves in person. Now, I’m not writing this
post to judge others. I merely intend to educate those that haven’t thought
about it before. Facebook is a political page (not that you are running for
office, but if you are young, this could play a part in your future…you know…the
documentation of every thought since 2004). You are marketing yourself.
The problem with facebook (or blogging ;D) is
that we can say anything we want and never see or hear the repercussions. There
are no consequences to our actual face on facebook. If you are on my friend
list reading this blog post, you’re probably thinking, “I wonder if she is
talking about me?” Probably not. Fortunately, it’s small crowd. However, I have
devised a list by which you can check your facebook behavior for a variety of
character fails. Please read with a sense of humor sprinkled throughout the
entire list. The list isn’t meant to offend, but these are real comments pick
up through random conversations since the dawn of facebook (changed a bit for
humorous literary purposes):
1) If your facebook post references illegal activity, you
might give the impression that you engage in illegal activity. If you hope to
have a job or the trust of friends and loved ones, this may throw a kink in the
circle of trust.
2) If your facebook post contains references that you
think no one but your “friends” will understand, you realize that you have
added 200+ friends and that they will all see it…not just the 3-6 that you
intended. In a small town, this means that you’re 3-6 friends have interpreted the
message for all the other friends by the comments they leave beneath the
original post. The joke is no longer funny; it may just make you look silly or
get you in trouble. And by silly, I mean that people are thinking “wtf” in
their minds and not posting it on your page…but thinking it when they see you
in person. How could I know this? Well, believe it or not, people talk in
person about facebook and the accompanying posts, hence the knowledge behind
this checklist. I’m an information gatherer. I can’t help it. The messages just
stick. It’s up to me to make sense of the seemingly non-interconnected
happenings.
3) If your facebook post accuses others, you may give the
impression that you are A) a female dog or B) the butt of a donkey (yep, I
realize that my facebook post about facebook posts could have led to this
assumption. I just didn’t know how else to get people to think about their
posts. My apologies.) Even if the accused is wrong, there are very few
circumstances where calling them out on facebook would do you any good. You may
change your mind one day. It is too late if it’s on facebook. Never forgotten.
4) If your facebook post accuses others of wrongdoing
when you are clearly the wrong doer, you may give the impression that you are an
idiot. I don’t even know how to sugarcoat this one. Likely, you may read this,
and not get it. I am sorry. Even this blog can’t help. It’s not Obama’s, the
cops, or aliens from another planet who are at fault, and the rest of facebook
knows it…even if your post gets 40 likes, it just means you have 40 idiot
friends. Again, my apologies. There is just no way to say it differently. But,
I’m not judging here, I’m just educating on what kind of impression is being
given. Perception is everything on facebook, and unfortunately, everyone
perceives each post differently.
5) If your facebook post is written with the intent to
harm, defame, harass, taunt, or get revenge, you may give the impression that
you harm, defame, harass, taunt, or get revenge on those that cross you. If
this is what you are going for, great. If you would like to keep your friends
(the ones you talk to in person), this is not a good idea. You’re facebook
friends will keep you for a good conversation piece (seriously). You’re real
friends may become busy all of a sudden.
6) If your facebook post is screaming for attention, you
may get attention…just not the kind you want. I think each person can change
the world, but you are not going to change the way people think by posting
crude pics or questionable comments. Most people just want to keep up on recent
events, funny happenings, and other’s lives’ in general. This is not your
avenue to get famous. Keep your clothes on, your sex behind closed doors, and
anything raunchy off your page. Once it is out there, it is out there
forever…somewhere. You may actually regret that post one day…like when your own
children wonder what the heck you were thinking, or when a prospective employer
doesn’t hire you, or when your blind date creeps on your facebook page to see
what kind of person you are…
Alright, I could go on, but I’ll save them for
later. Hopefully, the list above didn’t insight anger. In general, if you would
say your post to your mom, dad, boss, or a teacher, you are probably posting in
an acceptable manner. If, however, you have to question whether or not any of
the parties listed would be offended or shocked, it’s probably not in your best
interest.
You see, facebook is a political page. It’s a
way to market yourself. If you made a poster of your facebook posts with your
smiling mug dead center, would that be the poster you would want to hand to your
mother? Your teacher? Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Your husband/wife/child? Your employer?
What does your page say about you? Funny? Quirky? Kind? Considerate? Caring?
Loyal? Or maybe pessimistic? Angry? Bias? Crabby? Unaware? Rude?
Yep, your face-to-face friends know who you truly
are, and they don’t judge you (if you’re over 24ish…sorry youngin’s…just the
way the brain is wired, but don’t worry…it’s an average). However, the 200+
friends that like to keep updated on your life that rarely hold a conversation
with you in person are judging your character by your facebook posts. Each post
tells them just a little bit more about you. If it’s not clear, it’s left to
interpretation. If it is clear, are you sure that’s what you want to say?
