Facebook has become a prevalent part of most people’s lives. While the popularity of the social networking site is useful for connecting with others, it can also cause problems if you don’t know the proper way to interact online. Here are a few important “dos and don’ts” of proper Facebook etiquette.
Private Information
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Don’t make private information public. While this first tip seems like a no-brainer, it’s amazing how many people use Facebook to share things that should be kept private. Don’t forget that many status updates and wall posts are shared publicly, and that you shouldn’t say things about yourself or your friends that you don’t want the whole world to know about.
Instead of putting your private life out there for the world to see, do try using Facebook’s instant messenger to communicate personal information with friends. Or, if you have a high speed satellite internet connection and a computer mic, try using Facebook’s new phone feature to start a private conversation. Your Facebook friends will thank you for your discretion.
Posting Etiquette
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Don’t be a spammer. Nobody likes having their Facebook news feed spammed with repetitive posts. It’s nice to let your friends know what you’re up to, but posting status updates every five minutes may get you hidden, blocked, or unfriended.
Do be selective when considering whether to post something online. Try limiting yourself to a few posts per day, or tweak your privacy settings to make your posts visible only to “close friends.” People who know you personally will probably be more receptive to your frequent updates.
Tagging in Photos and Posts
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Don’t tag your friends in unflatterings posts and photos. Nobody wants to be embarrassed on the internet, so be careful about tagging people in photos or statuses that make them look bad. This includes tagging people in unflattering pictures, mentioning them in “inappropriate” status updates, and checking them in at places without asking their permission to do so.
Before tagging anyone else on your Facebook, do remember to ask them if it’s okay. For photos, you can even upload them to a private album, and let your friends decide which ones they’re comfortable making public. Being courteous in this way will make sure you don’t make anyone embarrassed or upset.
Debates and Arguments
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Perhaps most importantly to remember, don’t get into heated arguments over Facebook. Not only does losing your temper online make you look immature, but people will usually argue back with you when they can do it from behind a keyboard. Don’t get into Facebook arguments, don’t be a troll, and especially don’t fight with your friends’ friends on their status updates. Yikes.
If you really feel the need to tell someone off on Facebook, do consider hiding them from your news feed instead. Also remember that you can block or unfriend any Facebook user, which is better etiquette than challenging them to an all-caps shouting match.
While the rules of Internet etiquette are sure to change over time, these four tips are a good place to start. Watching your Facebook manners will make you seem more mature and professional in your online interactions.
