Has the Facebook “poke” replaced the traditional handshake? In this day and age, it is not uncommon for people to become friends before ever actually meeting in person. This concept seems outrageous to older generations, yes, I am talking about you Mom and Dad, but Facebook has made the executive decision that virtual friendships are a o-k! For the younger generations out there, take a look at your friends list; you can’t honestly tell me you have over 1,000 friends, can you? Fear not, I am here to tell you that it’s okay.
Facebook has created an environment that allows people to introduce themselves in a more comfortable way. Isn’t it nice to be able to hold a conversation with someone and not have to worry about those awkward silences? Facebook friendships are a breakthrough for all you introverts out there. They allow you to get comfortable with people at your own pace, which arguably enhances relationships rather than hinders them. However, before you get too comfortable with Facebook it is important to remember the web habits that often coexist with social networking need to live and die on the Internet.
From one abbreviating addict to another, it is not so impressive when you step into an interview and use words such as “perf,” or “def.” Or how about the time I said “lol” rather than literally laughing out loud. I know, not my finest moment. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had moments like these, so start Facebooking in a way that would make your English professor proud; dot your i’s and cross your t’s. If you are anything like me, which I have a hunch you might be, than you spend a decent amount of time on the web. So my challenge to you is this: practice intelligent Facebooking, and whatever other social networking sites you belong to. It is good practice; you might even call it an educational experience.
