Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with old friends and scope out new classmates. Yet, as with any social interaction, there are some rules of etiquette to keep in mind if you want your Facebook experience to go smoothly. These guidelines will help you avoid sending the wrong message to those who look you up.
DO put a picture up. If no one put up a picture, Facebook would not exist. Plus, if someone knows you by sight, but is unsure of your name, a picture clears all doubt. However, selectivity is key. Your picture should accurately represent you, with no pictures Photoshopped into deceiving attractiveness.
Also, DON'T have multiple people in your picture. If there are two really hot people and one not-so-hot person, everyone will know the not-so-hot person is you. You're fooling no one.
DON'T use any pictures that can prematurely compromise your reputation. Pictures of your wild Thursday night parties will not boost your coolness factor. So, unless the pictures are still hilarious in the sober state, use better judgment and keep them on your digital camera.
DO post the appropriate pictures in your photo album of the great times you are having at U of M. Friends enjoy taking a stroll down memory lane, and people who do not have the social life that you have enjoy living vicariously through yours. Be wary of detagging yourself. It may be a good option if a truly embarrassing picture is posted but it could offend a friend.
DO join groups that reflect your interests. From TV shows you love to the beverages you drink, there really is no limit to the types of groups you can join. If you have an interest that has not sparked the creation of a group yet, create one. But, if you create a new group and later find that only one other person is in it with you, you must abandon ship even though you did create it. Also, DON'T join just any group that you have ever shared an interest with. We're never going to know who you really are-especially since we barely know you in reality-if your group membership is all over the place.
DO leave posts on others' walls. Writing them is fun and getting them is a treat. Second, DO feel free to leave intriguing posts like "I had a great time last night" to let others know that you and the recipient of the message are tight-the more mysterious, the better. Thirdly, leave off the class assignments and meeting times for messages. You do not want to taint the wall with stressful schoolwork. Finally, DO respond promptly to all messages. Everyone knows you check Facebook as often as you do your Umich e-mail account (maybe more), so respond to the message already.
DO practice moderation in your privacy settings. Some information and select photos are not meant for strangers, potential employers, your RA, or DPS. But realize what you are doing when you completely block your profile from those who are not your friends. You may be protecting yourself, but you are also inhibiting other's Facebook surfing fulfillment. If you do choose to totally block everyone, you could be seen as aloof and snobbish.
The invention of the Newsfeed has revolutionized friendly Facebook stalking; it is now less work to see what your friends have updated in their profiles. But DON'T let this be an excuse for you to devote saved time to updating your own profile. You might think that updating frequently will keep you fresh in the minds of all your friends, but soon they will become desensitized and could forget about you on Facebook altogether.
Relationship status remains a controversial profile item. Please, DO be honest. When you say that you are in an open relationship with someone of the same sex, we sometimes believe you. It may be your best friend, but this is Ann Arbor and we don't know what to think. Also, for your own benefit, realize now that the awkwardness of defining a new relationship is only multiplied by Facebook.
Poking still remains an awkward practice. Among sets of friends, proper poking behavior can be determined, but rules governing poking strangers are ambiguous. One should poke if interested, but if poked, reciprocation is unnecessary. Repeated poking is just as obnoxious as physically doing so in real life, so please refrain.
By following these simple rules, you can dominate Facebook. However, it is important to note that while Facebook offers yet another way to meet and get to know people, it cannot measure up to real, live social interaction. So for those friends of yours at U-M visit them down the hall or go out on campus rather than relying on Facebook.
Be the first to comment on this article!