There really isn’t anything that should shock me in regard to Facebook and what people post anymore.
As social networks continue to grow, people put more and more information freely out there. It might be where you’re eating dinner, or what event you are watching, or photos of friends, animals and others.
There are rants about politics and religion. There’s bigotry, racism, and hate. There’s good news, love, and things to make you smile.
Social media is basically a one-stop shop, so to speak.
One thing I’ve continually noticed, though, is it’s harder and harder to hide from negativity on Facebook. If anyone happens to look at my timeline, there’s nothing Earth shattering. Basically, I post a lot of photos. Sometimes, if I remember, there are links to blog posts. Occasionally, I’ll have a post about something I’ve done or places I’ve been. And though I haven’t put one on Facebook in a while, sometimes you’ll see some food shots. I’ll share things occasionally from other places, but for the most part – it’s just my little world.
But I keep it positive.
It’s not a recent trend by any stretch, but maybe I’ve noticed it a little more. Over the past few months, I have been in a “blah” place. Whether it be work-related stress, personal things, or whatever else – I just haven’t felt like myself. That’s changed over the past three weeks or so, which is good. But I’ve also opened my eyes to a lot of other things – such as, what I will now refer to as, Facebook Spew.
What is Facebook Spew, you might ask?
Facebook Spew is all the junk that comes from those typing away about anything and everything and having no filter.
Remember – if you put it out there, it can be seen. It doesn’t matter if you are jeering or celebrating our President elect. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about a neighbor or somebody else. Or if you are complaining about weather, the schools, or whatever else one can think of. The reality is people use Facebook as an uncensored place for people to say whatever they want and not think about consequences of their actions or words.
Now, understand this – I firmly believe in freedom of speech. This isn’t a post saying people should stop. Heck, if it’s your thing, keep it up.
It doesn’t, however, mean I have to keep reading. And yes, I know there’s the “unfollow” button that allows people to be friends and not see the other person’s feed, but what’s the point of that? Isn’t the point of social media to want to see other people’s news and updates? That’s how I look at it anyway.
So … sometime before the end of 2016, I’m going to go through my Facebook account and I’m going to look at people’s accounts. Some people I might already not “follow.” Some I might. But I’m going to look and see.
Is there a lot of Spew? If so, I might have to say goodbye. It doesn’t mean I don’t like you anymore. Really, it doesn’t. It just means I don’t want to see Spew.
I’ve noticed recently I’ve lost a few friends (by the number) in the Facebook world. It actually made me smile. I have no idea who the people were, and that’s OK. But why smile? Because that means somebody might not like what I am posting (which, again, is just usually photos) and decided to say … I don’t need to see it anymore.
That’s fine and I respect it.
Facebook is a wonderful platform when used how you see fit – be it a place to complain or give opinions; or a place for sharing good things and such. But Facebook is also a place where people need to have the courage to say … we are friends and will continue to be in the real world, but when it comes to here … I’m saying goodbye.
I might only do it to 2-3 people. Maybe it will be a dozen. Who knows? But as we come into the holiday season, I want to feel positive vibes, not people complaining about this or that.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!