Do you know one of those annoying people who you run into once in a while who are not on Facebook? Well, I happen to be one of those people.
I’m not the person who is against Facebook all together. I always said I’d join if the need or desire developed someday. Well, the day finally has come, I think.
Since I will be such a newbie at Facebook if I join (called “FB” for those in the know), I surveyed a bunch of friends to get their opinions about the pros and cons of Facebook. Whether you’re already on Facebook (probably most people reading this) or one of the few prospective new members, my personal experts answered a few questions below about Facebook, providing lots of insight you may want to use.
What is the best thing about Facebook?
Beatrice: “Staying connected or reconnecting with friends and family.”
Esmeralda: “Always being in touch with your friends and in the know about what’s going on in their lives.”
Betty: “Learning helpful hints and tips about my child’s high school and seeing great, upcoming local events.”
Hallie: “Accessing resources and not missing birthdays.”
Sadey: “Seeing pictures of my relatives who live far away.”
What is the worst thing about Facebook?
Betty: “Lately, I have friends who post everything they do, feel and eat, and I’m being barraged with photos of people’s meals and workouts!”
Ruby: “When you see what everyone is up to, sometimes, people feel left out or get depressed seeing what others are doing, knowing they’re not invited. And it gives people a skewed vision of what people’s lives are like.”
Cecee: “Seeing people be negative, cruel and thoughtless.”
Sadey: “I hate when people post everything about their lives. I don’t care what you had for dinner, that you have a headache or that your child has diarrhea.”
Beatrice: “It can be addicting.”
Don’t ever do what on Facebook?
Esmeralda: “Don’t post a picture of someone without their permission, even if you are in the picture, too. My husband did this and caused an in-law rift. Let’s just say, we were definitely out-laws! He used very poor judgment.”
Lucy: “Never mention you’re away for a long time – it could lead to robbers. Don’t bore people with mundane details of your daily life, but also don’t get so personal that what should be a private conversation becomes a public forum.”
Cecee: “Don’t embarrass your kids! There’s no need to post how frustrated or angry you are with them for their behavior, especially by describing their actions!”
Betty: “Don’t go on FB when you’re in a bad mood. It will only depress you more because it’s more like ‘Bragbook’ than Facebook most of the time. You’ll see and read about every kid’s winning team, medals and successes and see amazing pics from everyone’s unbelievable vacations. And the rest of the time, people post super sad news, like people’s passing or awful illnesses – stuff I’d rather not know if it’s about people’s lives who aren’t close to mine.”
Make sure you always do what on Facebook?
Hallie: “Only add ‘friends’ who you truly want to know their daily business. I wish I hadn’t friended so many people I really don’t care that much about, especially ones that constantly post. Joining FB made me realize I’m a more private person. If I have a great picture or news to share, I prefer sharing it directly with my closest family and friends – not everyone who ever knew, knows or might know me, or someone I am ‘friends’ with.”
Betty: “Only post things you are comfortable with your spouse, child, parent and boss seeing!”
Cecee: “Think carefully about the people you’re posting about and if they want whatever you’re posting to be public. This includes children who don’t have a voice in what is being posted on FB.”
Rose: “Always have your privacy settings set correctly.”
Lexi: “Only post what you want everyone to know, now and years from now.”
Wow! I’ll definitely take all of this under advisement if I end up joining FB, and I hope to make fabulous FB choices.
I’ll keep you “posted!” (wink-wink)
Susan Dubin is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Reach her at gabbin@susandubin.com.
