Ah Facebook...... A very controversial topic for many Christians.
Some love it, and some hate it.
Some call it useful, and some call it evil.
While Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with out-of-state friends and families, some people have found nothing but grief with the popular networking giant.
Is there a way to enjoy the benefits of Facebook without the downfalls? I think there is! With that being said here is my tips on Facebooking in a healthy and happy way!
A Practical Guide to
1. Choose Your Privacy Settings Carefully!
Privacy is extremely important to a safe and pleasant FB experience! You should take time to familiarize yourself with the privacy settings section. You can also customize what appears on your News feed for each individual "Friend". This is great for those family members who you want to be friends with, but post less-then-tasteful things. Another point is to never post about being away from home. This has lead to numerous safety issues.
2. Avoid Friend Requests From People You Don't Know!
With only the rare exception it is not wise to accept friend requests from people you don't know personally. This can lead to privacy and safety issues.
3. Be Wary With Friends Who Are "Facebook Police"!
These are the kind of people who pick on every little thing that "upsets" them, or that they disagree with. An illustration is a person who sees a quote they think is inspiring - like this one:
"A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people."
Pretty good and truthful quote right? So this person goes and posts it on their wall... and then someone comes along and reads the quote, and comments- "That quote is by Gandhi! He was a terrible person, and a pedophile, and he was a Hindu! How can you quote him????" The person who posted the quote had no clue who wrote it and now they are being berated online. These kind of "friends" cause trouble and grief. The person causing the fuss is a "Facebook Police", being impolite and displaying the "Holier-then-thou" attitude.
The practical thing to do with FB police is to remove them as a friend, and don't accept friend requests from people known for causing trouble.
4. Don't Be The "Facebook Police"!
This is very important. If you feel it is necessary for you to be correcting, criticizing, complaining and judging on every single solitary thing that you don't like on someone else's wall then Facebook is NOT for you. Be respectful- it is impossible for every single person you know to agree with you on everything. People are going to have their own thoughts and opinions.
There is a proper way to handle real problems.
5. If There is a Serious Problem, Handle it Politely
Now there are times when something is genuinely wrong and problems arise. If you sense a genuine problem, contact the person over private message or talk to them personally with kindness. An example of this is someone who swore/ posted an improper photo or improper video.
If the improper behavior continues simply remove the person from your friends list.
6. Handle a Teen friend's Improper Behavior Practically
While one father choose to shoot nine rounds in to his daughter's laptop because of her swearing on Facebook there is a less drastic way to handle a serious issue with one of your teen aged friends. If you see a teenager who is behaving improperly on FB, privately message them. Be polite and kind. Contact the parents or the Youth Pastor is the issue is serious enough.
7. Don't be Stupid and Use Common Sense!
People often forget that what you post is read and seen by all your friends on FB. Just because you are "safe behind your computer screen" never merits crazy behavior. Teens I am especially talking to you. Your Mom may not have a Facebook account- but that is NO EXCUSE to swear or be rude. Photos with improper content are unnecessary. You aren't Gansta -you are a jerk.
8. Be Sensible.
You may love that movie or book sooooo much!! But if you know that someone has an issue against the book or movie, do the sensible thing and refrain from posting about it.
9. Post Photos Thoughtfully
Got that awesome group shot you want to upload?? "Ooh... but Suzy has a weird expression...."
If you choose to upload don't tag unflattering photos of your friends. If they request it be removed, be kind and remove it! I have had to do this a few times. :)
10. And Finally.... THINK!!
always think before you post!! :)
These are just somethings I have learned from my experiences with Facebook.
Facebook has the potential of being either a great resource, or a headache...
Not because Facebook is "evil" but because someone was being stupid.
Facebook itself doesn't cause problems anymore then a spoon makes a person fat, or a pencil makes spelling errors. The ONLY REASON for all FB problems is- someone was being stupid. FB is a great tool for keeping in touch, finding coupons, posting photos of the grandkids for your out-of-state mother, or for keeping in touch with relatives and friends you haven't seen in years. There is a way to Use Facebook practically and safely!
Happy Facebooking!!
God bless,
~Rebecca
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