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Six types of Facebook users to avoid
By Chris Botterill
Most people have become a little too comfortable sharing information with their Facebook network.
While someone would never talk about their recent heartbreak or uncomfortable medical condition in a room full of people, that same person doesn’t hesitate to write a painfully detailed description in that little status box for the world to see.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that everything done on Facebook—including the posts and information shared—is made public and can be seen by way more than just your friends. A questionable Facebook presence could negatively affect your career, friendships and love life. All it takes is one person to take a screen shot or click the ‘Share’ button and that embarrassing post goes viral.
So it’s important to think twice about what you share on Facebook, as you never know who’s looking or when your dirty secrets will resurface. Take it from these six people who fit the mould of Facebook users we all know—and definitely do not want to be like.
1. The Attention Seeker
If you have to state that you’re not posting something for attention, then you probably are. Don’t look for self-validation via Facebook. Not only will the post not deliver the results you hope for, but you will broadcast your insecurity for all the Internet to see.
2. The Overly Dramatic
Everyone has rough days, but not everyone posts about those rough days on Facebook. Keep in mind that anyone could see the post. You will look ridiculous to people who keep their problems offline and don’t look for attention from the Internet.
3. The Reckless
Think twice about what you’re going to post and who might see it. Save complaining about your job for happy hour with like-minded coworkers.
In addition, if you friend people on Facebook who you know on a professional level, make sure to avoid posting anything negative about your job. If not, there’s a good chance you will end up unemployed and humiliated.
4. The Over-sharer
We all have that aunt or uncle who doesn’t quite understand how Facebook works and posts about every aspect of her day. Keep in mind that once you post something on Facebook, it’s public. Ask yourself whether your neighbour or that lady in your book club really wants to know about your son-in-law’s great body.
5. The Political Ranter
We all have opinions, but we don’t all need to aggressively share those opinions. There’s nothing more annoying than Uncle Angus’ ignorant and incessant political posts. A tasteful post here or there is fine, but Facebook is full of all types of people with diverse opinions who probably don’t care to have yours shoved down their throat.
6. The Grammatically Incorrect
Before hitting the ‘post’ button, double check your grammar. Incorrect grammar can not only publically embarrass a major news outlet, but also make a person look foolish. Commas are vital to the English language, as they prevent a ton of misunderstanding by correctly breaking up a sentence. Also, stop yelling at everyone with incessant caps lock. Capital letters are used for proper nouns, rather than excitedly making a point.
It’s important to maintain a balance between creating a Facebook image that shows your authentic self while maintaining an appropriate image. Pretend like your mother is going to read every post and view every picture. With the rise of baby boomers on Facebook, she probably is.
This is the second article in a four-part series about using Facebook to your advantage. Click Here to view the first article – How Facebook gets to know you.
Chris Botterill/Genex Marketing, Cranbrook – Chris Botterill is a tech-savvy, marketing expert who loves to talk websites, ad campaigns and anything else that helps you and your business grow. Since starting Genex Marketing in 2008, Chris has grown his business year by year, to become a successful entrepreneur. He started in virtual web design and is now offering full Agency Services to businesses local and abroad. Agency Service includes all types of marketing from web, social media, print, radio and creating business collateral. Chris and Genex Marketing know how to help you adjust to the radical change in the marketplace from print and word of mouth to digital, social and virtual.
