For the most part, Facebook is a great tool. It allows us to stay in touch with friends, share information and ideas and even stay on top of the latest news stories. But Facebook has its share of cons as well. It can spread rumors, stir up trouble, and be a place where people with not-so-nice intentions lurk. With that in mind, here are eight things you should never share on Facebook.
1. Your relationship troubles
It is dangerous to post about fights you've had, things that bother you or even more serious news (like you are considering a divorce or separation) on Facebook. While it may be your way of reaching out for support and friendship, it can be very damaging. Your friends are only seeing your side of the story, and most importantly, they miss the make-up story afterwards. They do not get to go through the forgiveness/apology side of the story, and may not understand why you are still with someone who you were so upset with just hours before.
It can also really hurt your significant other when they see what you said about them on social media. Would you want them saying something similar about you? Keep your private life private. We all have flaws, and we make mistakes. But that doesn't mean our mistakes have to be told to the world via Facebook. Remember, once it is put out there, it cannot be taken back.
2. Naked baby photos
While naked baby photos can be super innocent and adorable, they are not something that should be shared on Facebook. There are too many people out there with bad intentions, and they can use your photos for not-so-innocent things. If you do put photos of your little ones taking a bath or something else totally cute while naked, there are some stickers you can use to cover up any parts that may be showing. Remember to always use caution when posting these types of photos.
3. Embarrassing stories about someone else
If you want to share something embarrassing that happened to you, go for it! The more embarrassing, the better. But when it comes to saying something embarrassing about someone else, whether it be your spouse, friends or children, it's best not to, unless they give you their permission. While it may be a funny story, they may not be comfortable with you sharing it. They may not want the Facebook world to know about their mishap or mistake.
When it comes to posting embarrassing stories about your own kids, try to see into the future. While it may be funny now, years from now, when they are teenagers or adults, they may not want their friends pulling up the story about how they wet their pants in the middle of a Wal-Mart. Consider sharing the stories on your own personal private blog instead, or with your close friends verbally; don't put it on Facebook.
4. Your address/personal information
I am always surprised when I see someone post a picture of their new driver's license, or when they leave their phone number in a comments thread. Anyone can access that information, and now they know where you live and how to reach you. It may seem a little paranoid or overly cautious, but giving out your personal information on a Facebook thread may come back to haunt you later.
5. Put-downs
Our world is full of negativity; why add to it? If you are upset about what someone named their baby, or what color a neighbor painted their house, do you really think posting your opinion on Facebook is going to help the situation? It only spreads more negativity and hatred. People really do read those comments — even the person they are about, and they can really hurt. You may think it is your place to give your opinion, but unless you were asked for it, it's not. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
6. Gross photos
Some people think injury photos or that picture of the mold growing on your bread is totally cool. But for others, it is really gross and may cause negative side-effects, like throwing up or even fainting. Sure, it's your photo and your Facebook account, but photos come up automatically on someone else's feed, and they may not have the chance to scroll by without seeing it.
7. Something you don't want everyone to see
If you really hate your job, or lied about being sick when you were really at a concert, it probably is not a good idea to post about it on Facebook. It will come back to bite you. Several jobs have been lost over people posting about how much they hate their boss, or really dislike going to work. And whoever you lied to will see the 67 photos you posted of the great time you had when they thought you were home sick in bed. Even if you hide your posts from someone, there is always a chance they might see it.
8. Someone else's news
There are things that people may not want put on Facebook; like the fact that they are pregnant, moving, getting married or other big news. If you want to congratulate someone, send them a private message. Unless they have made a huge announcement, changed their profile picture to reflect their news and made it very clear they are willing to talk about it on social media, do not post about it. It is their news to share, not yours. Who knows — they may not be posting about it for a reason that you do not know about. Respect that.
While these posts may seem innocent, they can really hurt you or someone else. Use caution when posting online — think before you share.
