Facebook Etiquette

The past few days I have really been thinking about facebook etiquette.  Are there actual rules and standards that one has to adhear to?  If not, there really should be.  Or maybe the creators of facebook just presumed that people would adhere to a normal civilised code of conduct?  

I must say that I do often raise my eyebrows when I see people slating other people on their profile status.  It's a bit off, I mean do you really want your dirty laundry aired for all your "friends" on facebook to see?  Maybe it's me, but that would just make me a bit awkward.  But I respect the fact that people reserve the right to have their say on their own walls.  If I don't like it, I don't have to read it.  

I do think though, that people need to be more respectful of other peoples feelings and beliefs.  If you're like me, you probably have friends on facebook who have different belief systems.  I am a christian.  I post things on my wall that are meaningful to me within my faith. Among other things.....  But I would like to think that I have enough respect for my friends who are not, not to post things that diss or belittle their beliefs.  Please have enough respect for me and do the same.  I'm not going to post things that belittle your feelings on being a vegan etc please be respectful enough not to belittle me as barbaric because I eat meat.  That's my choice and perogative and certainly doesn't affect my salvation.  The same as your choices are yours.  And I respect that.  And if I post things that offends you and your beliefs be adult enough to message me and tell me.  If I think you have a valid point I will most certainly review the post.  But don't go and put it up on your status and slate me there.  Then why are we even friends? 

I know that most of us have had a good vent on facebook about something that has happened.  And afterwards it just feels good knowing that you've put it out there.  I don't neccessarily have an issue with that.  It's the naming and shaming thing that just gets to me.  Why use facebook to slate someone publically in a way that you would never do if the person is standing in front of you.  I think that's a bit cowardly.

What I do have an issue with though, are people who slate other peoples children on their facebook profiles.  Children who are too young to even be able to use facebook.  I find that offensive.   It's not acceptable no matter how angry or offended or annoyed you are.  Take your issue up with their parents. On an inbox message.  Not on your status.  And if anyone of my facebook friends do post a status like that, regardless of whether they are about my children or someone elses, I will condemn you for it, and tell you how unacceptable that type of behaviour is.  And if you don't like that, you know where the delete button is, and I would enthusiastically encourage you to press it.  

Facebook is about building relationships, and making the ones that you have far easier to access.  Being able to share in one anothers lives without actually being there. Not a public forum  for breaking people down and hurting them. 

I really think that just because we are not face to face with a person we still need to show the same consideration we would show the person if we were.  We need to remember our manners and social ettiquettes that we have been brought up with and not let that all fly out the window the moment we get on to social media.  Just because the person is not standing in front of you doesn't mean that words and prejudices suddenly don't hurt a person.  I actually think that it hurts that much more because it's been done in public.  And it's far more likely to break down that relationship than if you had to deal with the person directly and be able to sort it out face to face.

But then again, that's just my feelings on the matter,  I respect your choice to disagree.