When people think about you, how do they describe you?
If you have a company, what do people think about when your company comes to their mind?
These questions revolve around the concept of our “brand” or what how our company or just we as people come across to others.
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Even though you may not have a company and have no plans to start one, you still have a brand, which is essentially your reputation.
As an avid user of Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter, I cringe when I see people making comments or posts that diminish themselves and/or others.
In general, I am not a critical person and am not one to judge someone’s commentary in these venues.
Yet, the other night, I was saddened to see a friend of mine who is on Facebook unload her personal frustrations with that way that others have been treating her.
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To me, there is a danger to letting our emotions publicly run rampant.
You really never know who might see that ranting you did on Facebook about your boss, your relatives, or your friends.
If you have some troubles in your life and you are looking for support from your friends on Facebook or Twitter, see if you can find a way to vent a bit without divulging too much.
I think it is better to be a bit more general, such as saying you have had a few bumps in the road lately, and then simply ask for support and positive energy.
Have you ever used Facebook or other social media site as an outlet to share your emotional wounds? Did you regret doing so? Or do you feel it was appropriate to do that?
How do you react when others show very personal details and emotions on Facebook or other social media sites you frequent?
I am just trying to see if I am just too squeamish or if my point of view is shared by others.
And I also wonder if there are generational differences in terms of how younger vs. older folks are using these sites.
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Joyce Feustel, Founder of Boomers’ Social Media Tutor, helps people relatively new to social media to become more effective and comfortable in their use of this medium. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com
I, too, cringe when I see someone venting or ranting on Facebook. I don’t tend to comment on those kinds of posts partly because I’m a bit embarrassed for the person, and partly because I’m not a fan of drama. I feel I’d be encouraging it if I gave the attention that was being so piteously sought.
I don’t often see the same kind of complaining or whining on Twitter, but that’s because my Twitter network is mostly professional. I have NEVER seen LinkedIn used for emotional unloading, thank goodness!
If asked, I’d advise against public displays of self deprecation. However, I also believe in authenticity. So, if one is compelled to post their heart on their newsfeed, they should. But, it will invite judgment … even from those of us who aren’t inclined to judge.
Thanks for sharing your take on venting or ranting on Facebook, Debi. I do realize there are many times when people do have a need to speak from their heart about personal matters. A person can do this and still keep their personal integrity I believe, yet it can be tricky to do so.