Tips to Avoid Facebook Abuse

     In the new digital world Facebook seems to be the hub of everything and everyone. In fact, many of you were probably directed to this very blog through Facebook by myself or a very considerate friend. Some people, however, have taken the privilege of Facebook and turned it into a burden to others with their continual digital faux pas. Here are some simple rules to follow when taking advantage of Facebook (or any other social media). *Note-This is NOT directed at a specific individual but is based on extensive research so please do not humiliate yourself by trying to call me out or get mad at me about it if you happen to be a violator of the forthcoming suggestions.

1. TMI

     One of the most overused and abused aspects of Facebook is the status update. This tool is to let your friends know what's going on with you, but is not meant to divulge your deepest darkest secrets or what is happening to you minute by minute. And please...no one ever wants to know about any aspect of your (or anyone else's) sex life. Don't get me wrong, if you need to share something as a prayer request or perhaps because people really need to know about it that's great, but most of the time matters pertaining to health (physical or emotional) or finances probably would be better left to face-to-face conversation with people you are actually close to.

2. Roller coaster

     One thing I can't stand and I have heard others complain about is the "roller coaster" Facebook poster. This is when an individual takes their emotional instability and converts it to digital format through Facebooking about it. Here is an example of a day in the life of a "roller coaster" Facebook status updater.

7:06 am-Just woke up happy as a clam!
7:28 am-Out of cereal, why did I even get out of bed.
8:15 am-I just passed by a cute member of the opposite sex. Great day!
8:58 am-Pulled in the parking lot and had to park 3 rows back. Wish I was in a coma.
9:30 am-Hazelnut coffee is back in the machine! I'm in love!
10:23 am-I'm heartbroken :'( My boy or girlfriend of 3 days dumped me.

     Anyway, you get the point and I'm annoying myself just typing this so I will not finish the rest of the day. Again, there is a time and a place for posting about emotions and I am not saying you should never let the world know how you are feeling (I certainly have), but please don't overwhelm us with overdoing it.

Negative Nancy

     Unfortunately most of the people who need to see this one have been defriended by me so that probably won't happen, but nonetheless, please refrain from bogging down the information feed with constant complaining. I realize there are plenty of things to get upset about but when you post every situation that bothers you hour by hour it just makes people want to hurt you. Again, don't take offence to this if you complain on Facebook sometimes (after all, some would consider this post complaining) but please use discretion when complaining. No one wants to hear about how homicidal you are because you got a Diet Coke from the machine when you clearly pushed the Coke button.

     If you know someone who needs a lesson in Facebook manners please direct them here in a subtle manner to avoid offending them. A good tactic is to blame-shift such as "Hey, check out this blog so-and-so really needs to read it!" when all the while they are the person that needs the education. This will help you avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation while still exposing them to this useful information! Thanks for your time and have a blessed evening.