Cyber Etiquette
What is Facebook exactly?
The definition of Facebook is a social networking site. But, in reality, it is a fun and somewhat silly, way to connect with all the people you have ever met in your life! In order to connect with someone, you have to "confirm their friendship". Once you "confirm friendship" you can see everthing they post - pictures, videos, activities, etc.. It's just fun!
BUT lately my friends and I have been bemoaning the new cyber etiquette. Who would have thought that Facebook (FB) would prove to cause such mental anguish.
Here are a few of our dilemnas:
You receive a request to "friend" an acquaintance. Yes, you know the person, but, no, you don't want to be in constant communication with them. And you certainly have no wish for them to see all your pictures and activities that you post on FB. What to do? If you ignore their request to be their "f'riend", they may feel that you have rejected them online and will undoubtably be mad at you if you ever have to see them in real life. On the other hand, if you "friend them" on FB, you may be stuck in a cyber relationship that you don't really want.
You are "friends" with a sister-in-law (husband's sister) on FB although you are not close to her in real life. One day you discover that she has deleted you as a "friend" and you are no longer in communication with her online. Does she dislike you? Is she telling secrets on FB that she doesn't want you to know? Did she make a mistake and hit the wrong key?
A "friend" posts a picture of you as her bridesmaid. All your friends get to see this picture that is posted on your wall. A guy "friend" you went to high school with writes you to say how young and beautiful you look. Little does he know that the wedding took place in 1990. Do you tell him that 20 years has added weight, wrinkles and gray hair or do you thank him for his kind words?
A close friend writes to you on your wall and you respond to their wall. You start to "dish" as though you were in the same room without remembering that your correspondence is going to be viewed by all your "friends". When you realize that the discussion is being read by perhaps hundreds of people, you quickly delete the stream but worry that many people have already read it and laughed at you.
Your mother-in-law joins FB and "friends" you. Egads!
You get the idea. FB is fun, but watch out! It's a whole new world out there in cyberspace and the rules are continually changing! I wouldn't be on FB if I didn't enjoy it, but I hope I don't turn my real friends into virtual enemies!
Real Estate Tip #28 - Show some emotion! When viewing houses with a real estate broker, it is really okay, and even preferable, if you show some emotion. Tell your broker what you like; what you dislike; what you hate. It will help your broker choose houses for you to see. Don't worry - it will not affect the sale price! Brokers are negotiators - we don't tell the sellers, "My buyers love this house and have to have it at any cost!" No, we work for you. You can tell us that you love a house and really want to buy it! We won't tell...
The definition of Facebook is a social networking site. But, in reality, it is a fun and somewhat silly, way to connect with all the people you have ever met in your life! In order to connect with someone, you have to "confirm their friendship". Once you "confirm friendship" you can see everthing they post - pictures, videos, activities, etc.. It's just fun!
BUT lately my friends and I have been bemoaning the new cyber etiquette. Who would have thought that Facebook (FB) would prove to cause such mental anguish.
Here are a few of our dilemnas:
You receive a request to "friend" an acquaintance. Yes, you know the person, but, no, you don't want to be in constant communication with them. And you certainly have no wish for them to see all your pictures and activities that you post on FB. What to do? If you ignore their request to be their "f'riend", they may feel that you have rejected them online and will undoubtably be mad at you if you ever have to see them in real life. On the other hand, if you "friend them" on FB, you may be stuck in a cyber relationship that you don't really want.
You are "friends" with a sister-in-law (husband's sister) on FB although you are not close to her in real life. One day you discover that she has deleted you as a "friend" and you are no longer in communication with her online. Does she dislike you? Is she telling secrets on FB that she doesn't want you to know? Did she make a mistake and hit the wrong key?
A "friend" posts a picture of you as her bridesmaid. All your friends get to see this picture that is posted on your wall. A guy "friend" you went to high school with writes you to say how young and beautiful you look. Little does he know that the wedding took place in 1990. Do you tell him that 20 years has added weight, wrinkles and gray hair or do you thank him for his kind words?
A close friend writes to you on your wall and you respond to their wall. You start to "dish" as though you were in the same room without remembering that your correspondence is going to be viewed by all your "friends". When you realize that the discussion is being read by perhaps hundreds of people, you quickly delete the stream but worry that many people have already read it and laughed at you.
Your mother-in-law joins FB and "friends" you. Egads!
You get the idea. FB is fun, but watch out! It's a whole new world out there in cyberspace and the rules are continually changing! I wouldn't be on FB if I didn't enjoy it, but I hope I don't turn my real friends into virtual enemies!
Real Estate Tip #28 - Show some emotion! When viewing houses with a real estate broker, it is really okay, and even preferable, if you show some emotion. Tell your broker what you like; what you dislike; what you hate. It will help your broker choose houses for you to see. Don't worry - it will not affect the sale price! Brokers are negotiators - we don't tell the sellers, "My buyers love this house and have to have it at any cost!" No, we work for you. You can tell us that you love a house and really want to buy it! We won't tell...
Great blog Peggy! It is so true...Facebook etiquette (or lack of) can be very tricky! See you on FB.
Beth
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