Facebook Etiquette: Out With the Negative
During the 2012 Presidential Election, Facebook and Twitter erupted, becoming a hot spot for ignoramuses to parrot or share what other uneducated folk would post about their opinion on who should be president.
But it hasn't stopped. And will it ever, given the ease of voicing your opinion on such social media platforms for so many people to see? I doubt it.
These days, I find myself scrolling through my Facebook news feed, and occasionally I'll stumble upon posts shared by friends that I don't agree with. In fact, some posts anger me with their stupidity, having no foundation or fact-checking or any educated argument behind it. It's just bitter people who create these infectious, negative posts, voicing their inaccurate opinions, which is then spread like a disease by other bitter people sharing those negative posts like ignorant sheep.
No wonder it's called "viral."
But it's my fault that these posts anger me, make me roll my eyes or shake my head. It's my fault that some of these posts make me want to comment on them, arguing the opposing (true) facts about the subject they just brought up. But I don't comment (usually). That only adds fuel to the fire, perpetuating the negativity indefinitely.
Everyone has an opinion and I can appreciate that, though. At least I live in a free country where I can voice my opinion and not be arrested. So in the end, I get it - everyone will not have the same opinion as me. This is reality.
So, instead of letting those negative posts get to me, I now choose to have a positive Facebook experience. Let's face it - we all have at least a couple Facebook friends who are notorious for posting or sharing posts that are politically extreme or are meant to stir up some controversy or negative emotions.
Think about it: Who in your pool of Facebook friends shares posts that usually cause you to feel frustrated or angry or feel similar negative emotions? Why continue to have that potential reaction happen to you on a daily basis? Why let something as silly as a strongly worded Facebook post effect your day?
Sure you have some Facebook friends that you've been actual friends with for years, but you know they are very politically active or strongly opinionated. But that's why they're your friend. "Oh So-and-So, there he/she goes again with that mouth, haha!" (*playfully shakes head)
For those people, some of you may be aware of this little trick, but if not, here's a way to get rid of those posts without unfriending them:
Go to that friend's page and just hover your mouse cursor over the "Friends" tab located in the lower right corner of their cover photo.
Then, hover your mouse cursor over "Show in News Feed" which should have a little check to the left.
Now click your mouse and the check should disappear.
Now, you won't see their posts in your news feed anymore.
Yep. This is for those particular friends who would be totally offended if you unfriended them (you know who they are), but choose not to let their negative posts effect your awesome day. :)
But what I also suggest is that I bet it's high time that you go through your "friends" and purge. Yes, the good ol' "unfriend" is always an option to get rid of negativity in your Facebook experience.
Like that one guy/girl you met at that party that one time and then never hung out again? Yeah, maybe it's time to unfriend them. Maybe that one guy/girl you sat next to in Math class back in junior high? Hey, I'm sure getting caught up with their current life has benefited your life for sure! Yep...'bout time to unfriend them too.
If you have tons of Facebook friends, maybe set a goal to go through 50-100 friends per day until you've completely purged the unnecessary ones. Maybe this should be an annual thing, given the people we may meet within a given year. Or you can always wait until November 17th, which happens to be National Unfriend Day. Whatever floats your toy boat toy boat toy butt toy boyt dang it!
So yeah, let 2013 be the year of positivity. And this Facebook trick may be a very little thing compared to the ongoings of your busy lives, but getting rid of negativity even a smidgen could prolong life in the end. Our lives are stressful as it is, so scrolling through Facebook shouldn't add to that in any way, shape or form, right?! ;D Yeah!
Here's to a positive Facebook experience!
