I was sitting at my local neighborhood coffeehouse the other day and couldn’t get over how many of the people with laptops were on Facebook at the time. Out of the thirty or so people that were there at the time 18 people had a laptop opened on their table. As I casually strolled around the store, engrossed in my informal survey, I counted 13 on Facebook.I am also an active Facebook user, but never really looked into the power this social networking website had over the current culture. Facebook has ingrained itself into the very life, and daily activities, of over 200 millions users. I enjoy the way I can keep in touch with friends, family, business associates, and people who enjoy some of the same hobbies I do.
Just the other day I connected with a friend of mine I had in the 8th grade but lost touch with after he moved away near the end of the year. We had a great time checking out each other’s photos, and talking on Facebook’s chatting application.
If you’re not on Facebook now, it is probably just a matter of time before you are. Social networking sites like Facebook are quickly becoming the destination of choice for many internet users. You can do your chatting, emailing, and networking all in one place instead of having several different software programs and other applications to do the same thing. However, using Facebook doesn’t mean that there isn’t a right and wrong way. Here are some common helpful tips for making Facebook an enjoyable experience.
1. Have a recent profile picture
You are only allowed one profile picture at a time so you are going to want to make it a current one, not one from 25 years ago. People want to see you now, how you’ve changed, and who you’ve become.
2. List your real interests
It is very tempting to spice up your profile a little bit by putting in some “cooler” interests than the ones you enjoy. Don’t do it. This will only lead to awkward friend requests. Keep your interests focused on your true interests.
3. Be friends with all your friends and family
If you are friends offline, then you will want to also be friends on Facebook. Many times we want to keep our online activities to ourselves, but Facebook is a social website not a “pick and choose” site. If you don’t accept friends you have on the outside it could lead to tense moments offline.
4. Don’t just add random friends
Once you get over the initial shyness of using Facebook and inviting friends it then gets tempting to let your ego get in the way and begin just inviting random people to boost your friend count. Don’t do this. Your personal information is available on your profile (if you listed it) and you don’t want people you don’t know seeing it. Get to know new people through messages first, and then if you feel comfortable, add them to your friend list.
5. Have Fun Writing On Walls
Most of the interaction with your friends is through writing on their walls. Have fun with it. Do send encouraging quotes and inspirations when they are having a had day. Do drop by and say ‘Happy Birthday’ when it is their special day. Do keep it fun and light. The wall open for public viewing so don’t say things that you don’t want aired out in the public laundry.
I have fun with Facebook connecting with friends and family. I can see why it is so pervasive in today’s society. I hope these little tips help you get started and enjoy your Facebook experience.
