So, this past week (in particular)I have witness some very inappropriate an unethical things on Facebook, particularly in the business community. It amazes me how people feel free to leave their social etiquette at the door (or at the log in) and behave in ways online that they would NEVER do in person!
Now, I think we can all agree that there are differences in opinions, freedom of speech and all that jazz, but even though Emily Post hasn't written the book on Social Media Etiquette, I still believe that general social etiquette applies.
I was frustrated on Tuesday about the lack of etiquette (and integrity) that people were showing on the wonderful "FB", so I posted the following statement: "Facebook has exhausted me this week... etiquette people, etiquette!" Within minutes I had several responses, most of which were in support of my statement. Of course there is always "one", who has to post and it went a little something like this:
"No one is going to tell me how to be on Facebook. There is no Facebook Etiquette and how dare you try and tell me how I need to be"...
Really? And to top it off, I didn't even know the guy! I doubt I had even noted a post of his or ever had a conversation (in person or online) and yet for some reason he felt as though my statement was directed towards him!
Now, I am definitely not the Facebook police, nor do I want to be, but I just can't stand to see people (especially in the local business community) berate one another publicly, post their own business ads on someone else's fan page, or completely harass people via chat etc...
Do they somehow feel that Facebook is a vehicle for which they should let their true feelings show regardless if it is at the expense of other people?
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I agree, the worst thing about the internet is that it leaves people open to being MORE than themselves, to being the worst part of themselves, and feel okay about it.
ReplyDeleteBut, I do believe that those who are like that online secretly wish they had the guts to be like that ALL the time, in person, so they are just showing their true colors by behaving like that.
I glad you wrote this. I may be guilty of some things on facebook to the naked eye. I am a very open person an I share on and offline the same way. Why? I think people want someone to share with that will also be vulnerable. That being said I just had a conversation with a friend about how facebook seems to empower people to make comments about what another states that are well rude and inconsiderate. It allows people to publicly make a statement that should have been made privately. Recently I was told I post too much by a great friend in the comment stream. I politely asked her to message me next time as I appreciate the feedback but prefer it not be on my stream for others. She agreed. I let her know that I receive several emails about my workout posts and it has encouraged many. I let her know that if I inspire one person to be better I will keep posting because that is my goal. She understood. The point was please criticize privately. I am not above criticism it helps us grow but publicly is poor etiquette. People need to know that there are no points of inflection via Internet so we cannot hear sarcasm humor and based on our mood a comment can be misinterpreted. Be careful what you write.
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