We live in the Facebook generation. We are all intellectual properties of Mr. Zuckerberg. Haha! Not a day goes by when we  have to do our usual (if possible) hourly check of our Facebook feeds. Some assume if you don’t have a Facebook account, you might be lost in the wilderness. It seems we do more of our talking online rather than offline This freedom of sharing our thoughts and life online and expressing our voice out into the world wide web may be liberating and fun but should be done with caution. Yes, Facebook allows us to be more ‘talkative’ and ‘expressive’ without the intimidating factor of a visible audience. We can be the ‘carefree gal’, ‘ the angst-driven chica’, or the ‘wild chick’ when we sat in front of our computers or typing away on our mobile smart phone, not giving much thought of the phrases and words we put out on the public websphere.

We have to remember that we are all public online personalities whether we like it or not  if we have signed up for Facebook and other social media networking sites.   We must put a bit of brake fluid on our eager typing fingers when updating our status or posting personal pictures. Here are five things you shouldn’t post on Facebook: ( I am sure there are more than five but let me stop at five for now)

1. YOUR FIGHTS WITH YOUR LOVED-ONES

There those moment when you are extremely pissed at your partner and you think that your only friend is Facebook. So you type in mean things or nasty words to a no-namer on your status update with an invisible arrow pointing obviously to your romantic partner. Coincidentally just after you change your relationship status to it’s complicated or single. (Which is revert back to , ‘in a relationship‘ after 2-3 days. How typical!) Your temporary outburst maybe a way to get your partner’s attention or to release out your cannot-be-contained anger. But I tell you, dearies, these tactics doesn’t work. This will not change your man nor will it be beneficial to your relationship. Keep your fights to yourselves. Nobody is interested. If there is, those will be the bored gossipers happy for your misery.  Rather than spilling your current fights online, confide with a trusted friend or a wise family member. You know that these people will have your best interest at heart. Keep other people from meddling into your life. That is why most celebrities tend to deny their current boyfriend/girlfriend and give the media a sheepish “we are just friend’ statement because of that reason.

2. YOUR LOVER’S MISTRESS

I know of people who retaliate by posting their husband’s or boyfriend’s mistress/fling on Facebook in order to disgrace the third party. It is very tacky and uncool to do that. It is not a practice of an elegant woman. I feel for you that your partner have strayed and crushed your heart & ego so striking fast by warning netizens of the mistress’ swarmy hands off other possible prey by destroying her online. This encourage cyberbullying which is very rampant nowadays and I am totally against of. We all don’t want to be cheated on but this is not how to go about it. First of all, this is not only the mistress fault but your partner’s as well. You must also look closely that maybe you do have some shortcomings of your own. The best way to go about this situation is logical-thinking. Take a few steps back and assess the situation. If the situation requires you to give up an unsalvageable situation, step away, you are far too amazing to beg and take in all that emotional abuse. We all deserve to be respected and cherish, ladies.

3.  YOUR DEPRESSED STATE

Like when we are angry, Facebook can be also our only friend on days when we feel so blue and depressed. How nice to type away all the depressing thoughts & feelings every hour for the whole world to see. Not! Though this may be a form of self-expression and release of tension  but Facebook is not our psychiatrist. Your 300+ friends have access to your sad emotional state. And maybe one of your courageous friend might be forced to suggest to you to take some anti depressives & a trip to the shrink to stop your whining. Talk to a friend instead or a counsellor. Yes, Facebook is for self-expression but we rather see positive status updates on our wall feed than  strings of gloomy narcissistic woes. It is best to keep Facebook a happy place to come and visit. Continuing on this bad habit may lead to people unfriending you instead.

4. RACISM/BIGOTRY

We all heard about the that racism comment of Miss Devina to our very own Miss World 2013, Megan Young.  Its very sad that racism is still evident today. We should respect each other despite difference in ethnicity, race, gender, sexual preference, socioeconomic standing and disabilities. We should never make fun or give careless comments that would resemble bigotry. Learn from the mistake of an employee of a big grocery chain who made a racist comment on her personal Facebook account about Malay weddings. She was then fired from her job for posting the offensive comment. We should practice tact and pause before posting things that might offend other people. I believe that we all can live harmoniously regardless of our differences and we should be accepting & open to learn more of other people’s culture & belief.

5. YOUR WORK STUFF

You should practice extreme caution when discussing about important work stuff on your Facebook account especially in spilling confidential informations that the public shouldn’t have access to. Never ever say anything negative about your company or your workmates. I heard a story back in the Philippines when a certain employee lashed out and complained about his senior and describe him in nasty words which brought an ugly  lawsuit  for libel. Sad! If you can’t resist, post instead positive things about your workplace but also be sincere.

There yo have it guys, 5 things you shouldn’t post on Facebook. Drop me a line if you other things you think that should be included on the list.

Remember, think before you post. Bye!