Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Facebook Etiquette

Facebook is a great way to connect with friends, especially for those of us who are either housebound, in unfulfilling jobs, or just plain lonely. However, once the newness of the novelty has worn down a bit, there are some rules of etiquette that should seem apparent. Recently I had to delete some of the so-called friends that I had accumulated, and I'll give my reasons why:

1. Constant quizzes - Once in a while, or even on a daily basis, it might be amusing to know that you have taken a quiz, and you're in alignment with a celeb, a movie, or an IQ score, but if you choose to take 20 quizzes in a day to validate yourself... realize that you are cluttering up every one of your friend's wall with your annoying narcissistic behavior and you should probably see a therapist.

2. Meanness - It's ok to respond with a snarky comment now and again, but if you feel the need to attack someone's character on a regular basis, the rest of your friends will get the hint that you are a bully, and no one who is mature will have respect for you.

3. Voyeurs - Friendship is a shared event, but if you just collect friends and don't contribute to banter or camaraderie, people will get the idea that you are probably just snickering behind everyone's back without taking a risk on showing yourself. That is cowardly, not friendly.

4. Too much me - It's great to share an important event that occurs in your life; however, no one needs a minute by minute update on all of your fun. It makes you look like a pathetic loser and pathological liar.

5. Constant complaining - When life sucks, it's your friends who can give you a pick me-up or boost; however, if you constantly bitch and play the poor me, others will roll their eyes and consider you a hopeless downer.

6. Kiddy swearing - I'm not adverse to four letter words on Facebook, it adds amusement and sometimes is the best way to express yourself ; however, if you are one of those juvenile types who had a strict upbringing and now everything that you express has to be a string of swears and potty-mouth, you just look like a socially immature idiot who needs to grow up. The site wasn't designed as kiddy camp for misfits.

I know it might sound harsh, but with all the joy that the site has to offer, there is always the option of the friend delete button. You have been warned.