Monday, May 26, 2014

The Virtual Reality of Social Media



Interactions on social media are booming. Facebook is THE main social media network.  Facebook is an online community with a blend of reality and virtual reality.

The virtual component is an evolving big time problem.  Virtual is very close to being something without being it; existing or occurring on computes or on the Internet. Hence, the virtual component is not an actual reality. The Internet facilitates an unnatural movement or intrusion into an inaccessible or uninvited reality.

Now, with Facebook, there are "Bookers" and "Lookers".  This is great and oftentimes a lot of fun.  "Facebookers" are those who post regular updates, "memes", photos, likes and comments. 

Facebookers are indeed engaging and put the fun in Facebook. Then are are "Facebook-Lookers".  Essentially with Facebook-Lookers, there is no problem. For many reasons, these folks prefer a voyeurism role in just reading others updates, comments and such. As long as the "Lookers" are only looking in a passive role, then there is no problem at all.  The worlds of Facebookers and Facebook-lookers can or should peacefully co-exist.

But, there is a one more element.  This is what I call the Facebook-Intruders.  The group of problematic folks go through Facebook timelines watching, looking and snooping. Then, they bring into  the virtual world issues from their sad reality.

Now, I enjoy "looking" on the virtual world of Facebook because in reality, I am a people watcher. I enjoy the photos and such, will do a "like" and move on.  I NEVER take my reality into another person's virtual or real world / life through the conduit of Facebook.  That would be intrusive and I am not a Facebook-Intruder.

However, this type of intrusion has been taking place with an increased frequency. I am disappointed... but I am in control of this situation.  For the past year, I have been effectively using the wonderful tools provided by Facebook and my own common sense approaches. Check them out.

Prevention
  • Never accept "neighbors" as Facebook Friends.  They are just too close for comfort.  They sit back and watch your every move online, then verify in the real world.  Like going on vacations and such. 

  • If someone makes an uncomfortable comment regarding your Facebook update, do not argue, just use the privacy control setting to manage this nuisance.

  • Do not go on Facebook, ranting about an offense.  Just, block or use the privacy control setting.

  • Beware of all "private or Inbox messages".  It is usually a covert approach to ask for a favor.

  • It is okay to accept total strangers as a Facebook friend, but, if they send a private message shortly thereafter, just Unfriend then follow through with the important BLOCK.

Additional recommendations:

#1- Limit privacy setting to Friends only.
#2- Never reply to questions.  I know what I post, you do not need to know anything else.. so go back into your world.
#3- Unfriend folks who are intrusive, then follow through with the BLOCK!
#4- Create a "custom" privacy setting; thereby effectively limiting certain "friends" from viewing any updates, but not necessarily a block.
#5- Beware of "Inbox or Private Messages" being transmitted through Facebook.  Usually the person is ashamed about the message and uses this private route. 

Finally, in reading this blog, if you are offended, I advise you to Unfriend me, then follow through with a BLOCK.  Its okay.


No comments:

Post a Comment