Proper Facebook Etiquette
Sure Facebook rocks, but what about the "Rules"?
Answers to common Facebook questions
Should I friend my boss on Facebook?
This is tough one. Doing research on this question brought both a strong NO as well as some yes answers. I would definitely assess your Facebook page and see what types of things you have posted. Keep in mind the things that a " friend" might also post on your behalf as well. You know, that weekend in Vegas.... Might not stay in Vegas after all. Another tough one is if your boss " friends" you. You still need to consider whether this is a good idea, or best to just ignore the request. The things that you post on your Facebook can be held against you. If you do decide to accept a request from your boss, do feel free to utilize the privacy options that Facebook has in place accordingly. Remember that Facebook can be a good networking tool that can be used to your advantage, but use it wisely and remember that you do not need to air all of your personal business on Facebook. Share "What's on your mind" with care.
Should I tell my close friends before posting on Facebook?
Everybody likes to stay up to date, and posting and reading Facebook statuses is a great way to keep your family and friends "in the know". However, when you have some really important news, such as a death in the family, divorce, major illness, etc. It is important to think before you post. Do you really think that your family wants to learn that grandma died by reading it on Facebook. Consider whether everybody that should be told about the important events have been told before you post the news to Facebook. Also consider this before you post to your friends wall to tell them how sad there news is and how so and so will be missed. Consider whether they are ready to have that type of attention all over Facebook.
Should I break up with my girlfriend/boyfriend on Facebook?
This day in age, it seems that many of the younger generation rarely ever actually talk to their so called "boyfriend/girlfriend when they are not in the same room. Most of the relationship takes place in the form of text messages, instant messages and Facebook. So it would seem that it would be only natural to break off the relationship using technology, however, like finding out about your parents divorce on Facebook, it is not appropriate to break up with someone using Facebook, text, or any other means of technology. Put on your big boy pants, and discuss the end of the relationship in person. Allow the other person to have their say, and if at all possible try to retain what is left of your relationship.... You never know, maybe you can still be friends.
Should I "friend" my Facebook friends close friends?
No. Unless your friend suggests that you would really get along well and they think you should try to get to know each other, do not "friend" your Facebook friends' " friends. Until you have been introduced and met in person, it is not a good idea, and could be awkward for all involved.
Should I get permission to post that photo?
This is another tough one. Everybody likes to share and see photos, however, most people want the right to chose which photos they share of themselves. Consider the photo, and be bery careful before posting things without your friends permission. Generally you should get permission before you post photos of your friends to their Facebook. You may not agree that they look terrible in that picture, but if they think so, they may become upset that you put it up. Try to consider your friends, if they are close enough friends, you should have a pretty good idea what their "policy" is on having pictures posted of them. Some of my friends for example have a fairly open policy on picture posting, as long as it is not embarrassing, or something they would not want grandma to see. Other friends allow pictures but do not want to be "tagged" in any photos without there permission. Some people don't care at all. Be careful what you post, and when in doubt always get permission. Also, if you do post a photo of a friend and they delete it, DO NOT repost the photo..... Permission denied!
Should I tag my friend in that photo?
Again, you need to take into consideration your friend before you tag them in your photos. Is is something embarrassing? If so, consider whether you should even post it at all. And always, always, always get permission if you are not sure.
Should I tag my friends children in that photo?
You definitly should use more caution when you are considering whether to post a photo of another person's children. Some of your friends may not appreciate having their childrens photos posted to your wall, or anywhere on the internet that they are not in control of, even if they have tons of photos on their wall, and even if the child has a Facebook page of their own. Definitly get permission before you post a photo of anybody under the age of 18, before you post.
Should you "friend" your children's friends?
Some of your childrens' friends may also be close friends of you and your family, as well as your child, and in this case it would be okay to become friends with them on Facebook. (Make sure that if you are in doubt as to whether it would be okay with their parents, that you get permission first.) However, just like I would not recommend you "friending" your friends' "friends", the same goes for your children. In addition, it may be awkward for your children and their friends. Many children have no problem being friends with parents, even if they are not their own, however, they may find it to be awkward to get a request from someones parents, especially if they don't know you that well. Resist the urge to "spy" on your children by "friending" their buddies on Facebook. Do however, make sure to become friends with your teen on Facebook, and make sure to monitor them when they use any type of internet communications. Also, feel free to question who they are friends with, and set up rules and guidlines for Facebook use.
Should you post on your teen's wall?
You should do this with caution. Teens can be ultra sensitive to how their parents act, especially in public. You should not take this personally, but respect your teen, regardless of whether you agree. Never post anything that is meant to intentionally embarrass your child on Facebook, even if it is just as a joke. Also, try not to litter their wall with posts from you. An occasional post from Mom or Dad should not be the end of the world, but remeber that you are dealing with a hormonal teenager, so they could take any posts from you the wrong way at any time.
One last rule?
Whenever in doubt about whether something is appropriate to post, tag, etc. consider whether the post in question is "G" rated.... Grandma rated!
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