Facebook has become a hugely popular platform for sharing updates, photos, videos, and commentary with friends, family, coworkers, and broader social networks. However, it’s easy to cross lines or unintentionally offend others with Facebook posts. Here are some tips on what not to say on Facebook.
Avoid Controversial or Divisive Topics
Facebook may not be the best place for heated debates on controversial issues like politics, religion, race, gender identity, etc. These topics often bring out strong opinions and can easily offend or upset some of your connections. Consider keeping posts positive and inclusive.
Don’t Attack Groups or Individuals
Making hostile, aggressive, or prejudiced remarks against particular groups or individuals will likely offend many readers. Avoid posts that bash or attack others based on attributes like race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.
Don’t Overshare Personal Details
Be cautious about revealing too many personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, details about minors, financial information, etc. This info could be used for identity theft or put your safety at risk.
Rethink Off-Color Humor
Sarcasm and humor can easily be misconstrued online. Rethink attempts at off-color humor involving race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disabilities, trauma, or other sensitive subjects. Humor that punches down at disadvantaged groups can come across as mean-spirited.
Don’t Vent About Bosses, Coworkers, or Companies
It’s usually unwise to make posts that cast employers or colleagues in an overly negative light. Venting about work frustrations may feel cathartic in the moment but could have professional consequences down the line.
Steer Clear of Oversharing
Too many superficial updates could irritate your connections. Avoid mundane posts about what you ate for breakfast or play-by-play commentary on your daily routine. Also take care not to overshare private relationships or family matters.
Don’t Post When Emotional
If you’re experiencing intense anger, grief, jealousy, or other emotions, it’s often best to avoid posting until you have a clearer mindset. Posts made in emotionally charged states can come across as irrational, insensitive, or combative.
Don’t Vent About Relationships
Resist the urge to vent on social media about romantic partners, friends, or family members after arguments or misunderstandings. These complex interpersonal issues are best resolved privately through thoughtful communication, not public call-outs.
Avoid Spreading Misinformation
Make sure to fact-check information before sharing articles, news, statistics, health advice, etc. Spreading falsehoods or “fake news”, even inadvertently, contributes to the larger misinformation crisis.
Don’t Post Confidential Information
Protect sensitive info relating to your job, legal matters, medical conditions, finances, etc. Posting proprietary information or discussing confidential matters publicly could have serious repercussions.
Steer Clear of Dangerous Challenges or Pranks
Avoid sharing or encouraging dangerous viral challenges or pranks that risk harming participants. The consequences of risky online fads can be severe.
Don’t Make Threats
Do not make threatening or violent statements against others on social media, even if intended as a joke. Threatening posts can be illegal and can result in account suspension or legal action.
Rethink Requests for Money
Constant social media requests for money from friends and connections can come across as inappropriate or manipulative. Save personal fundraising efforts for close family and friends through private messages or emails instead.
Don’t Spread Unsubstantiated Rumors
Before passing along rumors, unverified accusations, or speculative gossip about individuals, make sure you have credible sources and accurate facts. False rumors can seriously damage reputations.
Avoid Drunk Posting
Posting while intoxicated often leads to regrettable oversharing, insensitive remarks, or incoherent ramblings. Review your profile while sober and delete any embarrassing drunk posts.
Don’t Vent About Jobs, Bosses, or Coworkers
It may be tempting to complain about work stresses or annoying colleagues, but this can backfire. Venting about jobs, bosses, or coworkers on social media is unprofessional and may have unexpected career consequences.
Don’t Post During Legal Disputes
If involved in a lawsuit or legal dispute, avoid discussing details publicly on social media. These posts could potentially be used against you, compromising your case.
Don’t Share Passwords or Pin Numbers
Never publicly post passwords, PIN numbers, or other login credentials. This creates major security risks that can enable identity theft or allow accounts to be hacked.
Conclusion
Social media allows us to connect, express ourselves, and share life updates. However, we must also be mindful that these public platforms require reasonable discretion. Avoiding divisive political issues, offensive humor, excessive oversharing, spreading misinformation, and other potentially harmful posts is crucial. Take time to consider whether each post’s content and tone is judicious. With increased awareness, we can maximize social media’s benefits while minimizing its risks.