3 of 3

Write now Article Tools

It is truly amazing how many people agonize over what to post on Facebook for their status update. Doing so is nothing more than informing everyone you know (and some you really don't) about what you're doing at any given moment. Some users actually post that they don't know what to post, and that they feel obligated to do so anyway. It's a pretty good indicator that they shouldn't be posting anything at that time.

Some people really don't care what they post as long as they put something out there, as if the other Facebook users will perish for the lack of a status update from them. One young girl I've noticed writes all of her personal information out there - when she's bored, when she's in trouble with her parents, when she's having an argument with her friends, when she's planning to break the house rules, when she's "partied" too much and when she's gotten caught at it. The language is less than ladylike and is without a doubt, off-putting to some users.

If there is something of interest you want to say, or something you really want to share that has been significant or the best news you could think of, then by all means, share it in your status update! (I don't recommend you shout out that you've just won the lottery, for obvious reasons.) However, keep in mind that not everyone is in a position to be traveling all over the country, vacationing in some exotic location, or on their way to go shopping in New York City, so don't gloat! This is another way of turning people off so that they will no longer want to read your updates and will just skip over them. In today's economy, gloating over material good fortune is not always the best idea.

It's also not very prudent or safe to announce when you will be going out, exactly where you're going, or how long you will be away. That's a very good way to experience a break-in, burglary, or other crime. Remember, certain people may be watching if they know you have valuables in your home, or if they want to gain access to you or your home for some other reason. Be cautious about your status updates.

A Facebook status update is not an appropriate forum for having disagreements or heated debates. Neither are the "Comment" areas, although this is a better place if it's done with civility. Different points of view and perspectives are fine as comments or replies to other people's thoughts and ideas. But status updates should be neutral if they deal with a political issue, for example, that is headlining in the news

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Facebook etiquette: Tips for posting your status updates?
We want to hear your view. Write now!