Proper Facebook etiquette
Emily HofererFacebook is both a blessing and a curse for Xavier students. I personally owe about two points of my GPA to Facebook, but it has also been helpful in contacting people and keeping in touch with friends from high school. As a frequent user, I’ve noticed that some people just simply do not follow proper Facebook etiquette. Yes, there is such a thing as Facebook etiquette. There are some very simple procedures and manners to follow when using everyone’s favorite social networking website.
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Rules of Friending
When friending people on Facebook, I like to follow the “Facebook Rule of Three.” If you have met a person — that is, exchanged names and had conversation at least three times, it is then acceptable to friend them on Facebook. Also, if you have spent an extended period of time with them (three hours, three days, etc) and you can say at least three things about them, it is acceptable to friend them.
It’s not acceptable to friend someone you do not know because you find them attractive, if they have the same last name as you, if they are on the men’s basketball team or if you want them to vote for you in the upcoming SGA elections.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, it’s OK to friend your roommates on Facebook before you get to school.
Not only is it slightly tacky, but it is just plain rude to delete friends from Facebook, especially if they go to the same school as you. If you followed the Facebook Rule of Three then you have good reason to stay friends with this person. Also, Xavier is a relatively small school and you are bound to run into this person again or have a reason to lurk on their profile. Keeping your Facebook friends prevents awkward situations and makes you look popular.
There are, of course, a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if this person ripped your heart out, stomped all over it and then fed it to a pack of stray dogs and you never want to look at their Facebook profile again, then delete away. Any form of a horrible fight or falling out is a good reason to un-friend someone.
The Profile Picture
Some people believe that your profile picture should only be a picture of you. While this is the safest and most proper way, you may want to spice things up. The trick is to make sure that you are distinguishable in your picture. Try to pick a picture with you in the center or the person who all the action is geared towards. Bonus points if your profile picture captures some sort of cool action or location.
The most important thing is that your profile picture is a picture of you. I know for a fact that if you go to Xavier, you probably do not look like Sean Miller unless you are Sean Miller. Putting a picture of someone that is not you is not OK.
Again, there a few exceptions. If your team wins a championship of some kind, it’s OK to put the picture of any victorious celebrations as your profile picture. There is an expiration date of about two weeks. Also, if there is a tragedy of some kind, it is acceptable to have the symbolic ribbon as your profile picture.
Doctored photos of your head on the body of an animal are just plain tacky. You are not an M&M either.
Tagging and Un-tagging
Remember this if anything: Facebook is public domain, which means that anyone can take your pictures off your profile and publish them (including the Newswire). This means that the picture of you bent over the toilet on your 21st birthday could be put on our front page in color and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
Be careful which pictures you put up for this reason, as well as the fact that anyone can get on Facebook now and see your pictures (including parents and employers). I recommend adjusting your profile security settings when it comes to Facebook. If you want to un-tag a picture, go ahead, but it doesn’t make the picture go away completely.
Tagging people as objects is acceptable if there is an inside joke. Also, album titles should be creative and enticing.
Applications
I’m not against Facebook applications at all. I’m a personal fan of the Xavier basketball fans, Bumper Sticker and the “What Character from Sex and the City are you?” applications (I’m Carrie Bradshaw, for those of you who were wondering). It’s important to spread the applications out across your profile. If I have to plow through 26 applications just to get to your wall (and even more, if I’m thrown off by the Super-Wall application) it will result in sensory overload and then it’s just not worth it for me to post on your wall. Try to put applications on the sidebar or beneath your wall.
Feel free to decline application invitations. If you do not want to blast zombies or find out which boy band you are, then hit ‘ignore it’ with delight. Too many applications just means you have way too much free time.
There’s your crash course in Facebook Etiquette 101. Now go out and Facebook to your heart’s content. Make Mark Zuckerberg proud.
Catherine Stahl
Diversions Editor
Stump the Schwab
Do you think you’re “The Schwab” of Xavier? Come take the “Stump The Schwab Challenge” at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 in GSC Rm. 214. The top scorer will be named “Xavier’s Schwab” and the second, third and fourth place contestants will face him/her in Xavier’s first “Stump The Schwab Showdown” on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the GSC atrium. The winner will receive a $200 Visa Gift Card. These events are hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Movie Madness
It’s time for another round of “Leadership Movie Madness.” This month, we explore the lessons in leadership from “Mona Lisa Smile.” Join us as from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 in the GSC Clocktower Lounge. Bring a friend for popcorn, prizes and discussion.
