7 Things You Should Be Posting On Facebook - Opinion

What Content is Worth Sharing on Facebook?

A recent article, "5 Things You Need To Stop Posting On Facebook," prompted a comment from a user named Smumdax. This comment posed a crucial inquiry: "What should we post on Facebook?"

This is an excellent and important question to address.

For our MakeUseOf audience, it's vital to shift the focus beyond simply identifying undesirable content. Indeed, the potential for positive and engaging shares far outweighs the need for restriction!

Focusing on Value and Connection

The key to successful Facebook posting lies in providing value to your network. Consider content that fosters genuine connection and sparks meaningful interactions.

• Share interesting articles: Post links to informative pieces that align with your interests or expertise.
• Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge personal or professional milestones.
• Ask engaging questions: Initiate conversations and encourage participation.

Content That Resonates

Posts that resonate with others often center around shared experiences or passions. Authenticity is paramount.

Think about what genuinely excites you and how you can translate that enthusiasm into a shareable format. Avoid solely self-promotional material; balance is essential.

Ultimately, the best content for Facebook is that which enriches the experience for both you and your connections. Prioritizing quality over quantity will yield more rewarding results.

Celebrating Personal Milestones

It’s generally understood that sharing significant life achievements is appropriate for Facebook. Have you recently secured a new position? Perhaps you had an unexpected encounter with a celebrity like Bill Murray? Sharing these experiences is perfectly acceptable.

However, it's important to consider how these updates are perceived. While sharing positive news is fine, excessive boasting can be off-putting to others.

An example of an over-the-top post might be something like: JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER PROMOTION!!! Such displays can come across as arrogant.

Maintaining a Balanced Approach

When posting about successes, it’s best to focus on genuinely noteworthy events. Sharing smaller accomplishments frequently, especially with a boastful tone, can alienate your audience.

Reserving these posts for truly significant moments – such as meeting someone famous – is a good practice. This approach aligns with effective use of Facebook’s Timeline feature.

Ultimately, thoughtful consideration of your audience’s perspective is crucial when sharing personal achievements online.

Sharing Your Travel Photos Online

Recent discussion prompted clarification regarding the sharing of vacation photographs. Specifically, caution is advised when posting images that are overly revealing, as these could be misused by others for inappropriate purposes.

This concern extends to images of minors, for whom such exposure is particularly problematic. However, individuals retain the autonomy to decide what they share, within legal and ethical boundaries.

What Types of Photos Are Generally Safe?

Sharing less provocative content is generally considered acceptable. This includes images of notable landmarks, interesting sights, and typical family snapshots.

Allowing others to experience your travels vicariously through your photos can be a positive way to connect and share experiences.

• Landmarks and scenic views are ideal for sharing.
• Family photos offer a glimpse into personal experiences.
• Interesting cultural observations can be engaging for viewers.

Ultimately, exercising discretion and considering potential consequences is crucial when posting any content online. A thoughtful approach to sharing ensures a more positive and secure online experience.

Previously Visited Locations

A prior discussion highlighted the potential risks associated with sharing your current location in real-time. This recommendation stemmed from the unfortunate reality that some individuals engage in property crime.

It is often preferable to indicate that you have been at a location, rather than broadcasting your present whereabouts. This subtle shift in phrasing can offer a degree of protection.

Understanding the Risks

While the intention behind platforms like Facebook, driven by figures like Zuckerberg, is to foster greater connectivity and openness, it’s crucial to acknowledge the existence of individuals with harmful intent.

Personal information shared online, even seemingly innocuous details like location, can be exploited. Awareness of this possibility is paramount for maintaining personal security.

Protecting Your Information

• Consider delaying posts about locations until after you have departed.
• Refrain from providing live updates of your movements.
• Be mindful of the information you share publicly.

Acknowledging the potential for misuse of information doesn't negate the benefits of social media. It simply encourages a more cautious and informed approach to online sharing.

Ultimately, prioritizing personal safety and security should be a key consideration when utilizing social networking platforms.

Maintaining Privacy: Referencing Past Associations

Currently, a key discussion point revolves around the use of the word "were" on social media platforms.

Rather than identifying individuals you are presently with, it’s advisable to frame your references in the past tense.

This precaution helps safeguard your location; should a friend's account be breached, potential malicious actors won't gain immediate knowledge of your current whereabouts.

Understanding the Security Implications

The concern isn't necessarily the act of sharing who you're with, but rather the potential security risks involved.

Many individuals are more concerned about the data Facebook collects directly than how that data could be exploited by others.

Often, there's a disconnect between awareness of potential threats and proactive security measures.

Why Past Tense Matters

• Reduced Real-Time Risk: Using "were" obscures your current location.
• Mitigation of Account Compromise: Limits information available if a friend’s account is hacked.
• Proactive Security: A simple step to enhance personal safety online.

Ultimately, prioritizing safety involves considering how information is presented and potentially utilized by external parties.

A shift towards referencing past associations, rather than current ones, can contribute to a more secure online experience.

Spreading Positivity Online

It appears a pervasive sense of cynicism has taken root across the internet landscape.

However, platforms like Facebook present a valuable opportunity to counteract negativity and foster a more uplifting environment.

The Power of a Kind Word

If you observe someone experiencing hardship, consider offering support through a brief message on their profile.

Even in unusual circumstances – such as the unfortunate loss of a pet iguana – a gesture of kindness, like sharing an image of a cat, can provide comfort.

Facebook as a Vehicle for Happiness

A greater degree of joy is something the world desperately needs.

Facebook can be effectively utilized as a tool to contribute to this increased happiness.

Let's actively choose to build each other up and spread positivity within our online communities.

A small act of encouragement can have a significant impact on someone's day.

Capturing and Sharing Moments: Facebook Photo Albums

Facebook offers a feature known as Photo Albums, enabling users to share images online with their network. This functionality allows for the preservation and display of personal memories.

While sharing experiences is generally encouraged, it’s prudent to consider a few guidelines when posting photos.

Important Considerations for Photo Sharing

Exercising caution regarding potentially revealing images remains important, as not all individuals fully grasp the implications of online sharing.

Avoid posting unsuccessful or flawed photographs. Repeated images with technical issues, such as obstructions, are unlikely to be well-received.

Prior to posting, always ensure that all individuals depicted in the photos are comfortable with their images being shared publicly on the internet.

Refrain from self-deprecating captions like "OMG I LOOK TERRIBLE LOL." Such comments may inadvertently highlight perceived flaws.

Respecting privacy and presenting a positive image are key to enjoyable and responsible photo sharing on Facebook.

Managing Event Visibility on Social Media

It's understandable to question the inclusion of event promotion strategies, given that platforms like Facebook natively support event creation. However, a nuanced approach to event advertising can be beneficial.

Consider the level of privacy you desire for your event. Directly publishing all details publicly may not always be ideal.

Controlling Event Information

A strategy involves limiting the publicly available information. For example, omitting the precise event location and instead providing directions only to those who RSVP through a private channel like email or mobile phone.

While Facebook excels at gauging attendance – a simple confirmation of 'yes' or 'no' – its utility should potentially be restricted to this function.

Using Facebook as a basic attendance indicator can help maintain control over who receives comprehensive event details. This approach is particularly relevant for events where discretion is preferred.

Privacy is a key consideration when planning and promoting events online. Thoughtful management of information dissemination can enhance security and exclusivity.

Ultimately, the goal is to leverage social media for its strengths – broad reach and quick responses – while safeguarding sensitive event information.

Navigating Responsible Sharing on Facebook

Facebook provides a convenient platform for connecting and sharing experiences. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and consider the implications of the content you post.

The principle of responsible online behavior is paramount, echoing the sentiment that greater reach necessitates greater accountability.

Considerations for Facebook Posts

Before sharing anything on Facebook, it's important to evaluate its potential impact. Think carefully about the information you are making public.

Here are some key areas to reflect upon:

• Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive details like your home address, phone number, or financial information.
• Private Moments: Be mindful of oversharing intensely personal experiences that might be better suited for close friends and family offline.
• Opinions & Controversies: Expressing opinions is fine, but do so respectfully and avoid engaging in heated arguments.
• Location Data: Sharing your current location constantly can pose security risks.
• Content Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of information before sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The Weight of Online Influence

The reach of social media is substantial, and content can quickly go viral. This amplifies both positive and negative consequences.

As with any powerful tool, Facebook demands a thoughtful and conscientious approach to its use.

Remember the timeless wisdom: "With great power comes great responsibility." This applies directly to the content we choose to share online.

What other aspects of Facebook sharing do you believe warrant careful consideration? Do you find yourself in agreement or disagreement with the points discussed?