Gigi Dawn
By Gigi Dawn
SYLP STUDENT
An online social networking site seems to be taking over the world. Facebook. It started as a college-based network where kids from different colleges could add each other as friends, but soon enough, it branched out to high school, and now everyone can use it.
While Facebook has provided us with a great tool to keep in touch with many people, it has also weakened the ties we have with others. Some have misconstrued its use and have created online personas that seem self-absorbed, annoying, or pretentious.
There are privileges and drawbacks once a person has immersed him or herself in the world of social media. Many use it to talk to friends, others use it as a form of entertainment or, worse yet, stalking. But there are rules, people! There exists an unwritten code, which everyone should be following.
Facebook users should understand these social expectations when updating their statuses, uploading pictures, and commenting on posts.
Although there aren’t any official rules, some practices are just intolerable. Manners are important because they promote better behavior, and encourage people to respect others.
So, for the uninformed, I have created a list of Facebook rules to follow:
1. Think long and hard before you upload a picture of yourself. The first thing that is viewed on your profile is that little box located at the top left corner of the page. Your profile picture is a representation of the person you are! Uploading an excessive amount of these photos shows your vanity.
2. WrItInG lIkE tHiS iS NeVeR cOoL. OK, it was in middle school, but now, it’s just obnoxious.
3. On my newsfeed, I see people who updating their status every second of the day. Please limit status updates, and keep it to topics that people might actually care about or find inspiring. Avoid updates that might get you in trouble!
4. When commenting, keep it positive. It’s immature to be rude. If there’s nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
5. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know — stranger danger! And don’t randomly add people as you browse. The amount of “friends” you have doesn’t determine your popularity status.
In the end, the decision to follow through with these rules is up to you. It’s about striking the right balance for your Facebook profile. These rules shouldn’t limit creativity. Facebook has the potential to be a fun and useful tool and to build relationships with your friends and family. It’s about being considerate of people’s time and experience with the site. (end)
Editor’s note: This story was written by a Summer Youth Leadership Program student, not a Northwest Asian Weekly staff member.