#268: Are You On Facebook? (Friday, February 17)

Technology has given us numerous ways to see what our friends are up to, arguably none more popular than Facebook. But given the numerous privacy issues that Facebook has, it's important to be considerate and thoughtful when using it--or any social media outlet for that matter. Here are my top Facebook etiquette rules (and pet peeves):

1. Don't post pictures of other people's children without their permission. Some parents are avid users of Facebook but don't want their children's pictures floating over the internet.
2. Don't "check in" people at places. The check-in feature on Facebook is responsible for numerous home robberies. Many people aren't comfortable sharing their whereabouts publicly.
3. Facebook should not be used as the medium for communicating life events. Posting wedding, birth, and other life event announcements on Facebook doesn't remove the responsibility of sending written communication or calling. Don't assume that everyone knows because you've posted it on Facebook.
4. Don't post pictures of intimate events (weddings, funerals) without permission. The organizer has taken great care to preserve the intimacy of their event, so you should respect their wishes.
5. Use your discretion. Pictures can sometimes be searched on Google if even one of your friends has a low privacy setting. So before posting consider whether the image is a representation you want to portray to the public. Avoid references to your employer or private conversations.
6. Get off the 'net and live. Frequent updates to your status can be cumbersome for your Facebook friends to read, especially given the new layout. Be considerate and post judiciously.