Get off the soap box!  You know the one I’m talking about, right?  You spend half your time on it and you continue to share rants and details about your personal life that you should probably keep on the down low. I’m talking about the Facebook soap box.

I’m starting to believe that Facebook is serving as a psychologist for many people. Except who’s the individual on the other end providing the help or is this a game of table tennis for one?  I’m starting to see more and more people engage in this behavior and for one, it worries me.  Most people don’t know how to respond and when they read a rant, they have no idea what you’re referring to, so the types of comments you see say, “is everything alright?”

If you’re really going through something emotional and need advice or help, do it privately with your close friends and family off of the social networking sites like Facebook.  These types of things are the last that you want to make public to the world.  Ask yourself this, would you walk into a high school reunion and share the personal hardships you may be going through at the current time?  Chances are you probably wouldn’t because you want to show your peers of the past that you’re doing well.  Consider Facebook as the high school reunion that never ends.  You’re friends with people on Facebook who you probably haven’t seen in a while and when you start sharing these stories, they’re now under the impression that something is really wrong.  People who see you as acquaintances may not understand entirely what you’re going through, so when you go on Facebook and blast this information to them, it’s possible that they may take what you say out of context.

Everyone wants to share their thoughts, opinions, and feelings on Facebook.  I completely understand that, but the constant negativity shared in a world where there’s enough turmoil already existing doesn’t contribute in a positive way.

It’s important to realize what you say can have a direct impact on how people view you.  They may think they knew who you are, but after a while realize the majority of your posts on Facebook are upsetting in nature.  I’m not speaking to everyone, but if this is you, look through your past posts and separate yourself from the equation. When you read them over, what would you think of the person posting it?

We all have bad days, emotional issues, and disappointments, but it’s a good idea to show your positive side and share exciting things that you’re up to.  I sign onto Facebook because I’m interested in what people are doing.  I’m guessing you’re doing the same.  I’m all for offering my help when someone is having a bad day, but when all you post is how the world is against you, I start to wonder what’s REALLY going on.

So the next time you’re about to hit that post button, just think about how your other friends on the other end of the screen are going to interpret your words.

The biggest issue today with things like status updates or even text messages for that matter is context.  We read text and interpret it one way when in reality it’s not how the one delivering the message meant it to sound.  It constantly  leaves people feeling misunderstood when all they want is someone to listen to them.  That’s why when it’s personal and serious, cease the urge to post it on Facebook (or send a text message).  Call someone close to you or talk in person.  That will prevent others from making judgements.   Help bring about more positivity on social networking sites

Am I wrong?  If so, let me know in the comments.  Or, are you noticing this unfortunate trend taking place on your social networks?