Things That Need To Stop Doing On Facebook
1. Over posting
We love pictures of your kids. (We really do. Especially babies.) But if I know exactly what you did all day, then you have definitely gone too far. Posting a new picture, status update or article every hour or gets to be a little bit much.
Remember, less is more. Posting constantly and filling up your friends' news feeds is a big no-no. One post a day is just fine. Two is definitely acceptable. Before you post three or more times, consider waiting until another day. Your friends will appreciate the SparkNotes version of your day much better than the novel form.
2. Multi-level marketing
There are probably plenty of people out there who like Tupperware or candle parties, but I hate getting suckered into those things and being forced to make awkward conversation and buy something I don't want in the name of "friendship". Multi-level marketing is awful -- and it just got worse.
The new rage is virtual parties. Your friend decides to get involved with some sort of nails, lashes, or (insert beauty product), and then their first step is to start hounding all of their friends to buy said products on Facebook with an event.
There is a big difference between effective social media marketing and guilt tripping. We all love our friends, but please don't pester us constantly with notifications. If it's something we genuinely want, we will buy it and support you 100%.
3. Selfies
Cute selfies? Definitely keep them coming. (Let's be honest. We all take them.) Posting selfies on a regular basis? No. You can be proud of your outfit and the way you look, but when you post a highly filtered selfie every day it displays a lack of self-confidence.
Your friends are here to help and validate you. (That's what we're here for, right?) But please, keep the selfies to a minimum. Believe me, your friends will keep letting you know that you're gorgeous (because frankly, you are).
Stand back, give the camera to someone else, and have them take pictures of you (somewhere other than your bathroom mirror) living life with the people you love around you. There is something refreshing and wonderful about a picture like that.
4. Be real
We want to cheer for you, your family, and your successes. Sharing joy is just another great aspect of social media.
But, nobody's life is perfect. Don't be afraid to be your true self online. Share the good moments, and let people support you during the hard ones. Facebook is a great place to get support during difficult times.
Nothing feels better than knowing someone else is going through the same thing as you.
5. Inappropriate content
Please keep the trash off of the internet. Don't post pictures or articles that someone would be embarrassed to see, or they would be embarrassed for their children or boss to see on their computer.
There is nothing worse than scrolling through your feed and having to block someone for posting pornographic selfies or going off on an explicit rant.
6. Name calling
Everyone appreciates a good debate, and Facebook is an excellent platform to share your thoughts and opinions - but please, please, please don't get sucked in to useless name calling.
Let's face the facts: No two people are going to have the exact same opinions and beliefs on every subject. Just because someone thinks differently, doesn't mean they are a bigot, uninformed or dumb.
If you're going to have at it in the comments, make sure you are respectful, kind and prudent. If they sink to low levels, you don't need to join them. Know when to stop and protect your reputation.
7. Cryptic status updates
Posts like, "I can't believe that just happened" with no follow up are annoying and appropriate only for angsty teenagers. Be real with your friends and family -- and don't write posts just to get follow-up questions that give you unnecessary amounts of attention. If someone has to ask, "what happened?" then your post is too cryptic.
