This past weekend on the TODAY Show, I jumped into a lively discussion about whether we’re sharing too much content online and whether or not there needs to be a so-called “Social Media Etiquette” that dictates how we behave and share content on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Oversharing updates and photos on social networks can be bothersome when someone is taking over their friend’s and family’s news feeds with their social activity. This is especially true for kids who may lack the self control or experience to make good decisions about what is worth sharing and what isn’t.
Does there need to be a Social Media Etiquette?
On the TODAY Show, I get into an fun little argument with my guest host, the lovely Faye De Muyshondt, because we couldn’t disagree more about what you should share online! She thinks there should be a set of rules around social media, what we share, and an “etiquette” to follow when deciding to hit that “share” button.
Me? I think that adults should share whatever they want on social because that’s what makes it great! The people who are following you are able to set up filters and mute buttons to control their feeds, so they shouldn’t ever have to feel overwhelmed if you’re sharing “too much”.
How to control “oversharing” on Facebook
Is someone in your feed oversharing? Then you can use built-in filters on Facebook to see less of their content! Here’s how to do it: Just click through to their profile page, click on the “Friends” button that’s already checked, and you’ll get a drop-down menu where you can decide to see only their “most important” updates or “no updates” at all!
It’s up to you!
When you’re online you get to choose who you interact with and how you interact with them, so if you need to create a set of rules and filters to make Facebook “fun” for you, that’s totally cool! But other people love signing in to their accounts and seeing hundreds of exiting new posts and pictures from their friends all over the world. Any one set of rules or an “etiquette” isn’t going to dictate what’s worth sharing or discussing on social media, YOU are.