Last week I completed one of those ridiculous facebook applications that I usually ignore. But this one actually turned out to be pretty interesting… It compiled all of my status updates from the previous year and placed them in one document. I found it to be very revealing. I was reminded of a few serious events that I have been involved in this past year. There also were a few posts that I thought were pretty funny at the time. In fact, I still think they are funny.

I have learned something this year that really should be the subject of a master’s thesis for a student studying in the discipline of interpersonal communication. I have learned that people’s comments on facebook reveal a lot about their personal character. One friend of mine consistently posts things that range from being mildy amusing to being just downright funny. He is not crude or inappropriate. He just sees the lighter side of life and shares it. Thanks James.
You brighten my days with your humor.

There are others who have a tendency to demonstrate a lack of social awareness. That is a nice way of saying that they use facebook as a forum to share things most of us would rather not hear. Too much information is revealed. Need I say more? I will just graciously decline the opportunity to cite examples.

A person’s status update can be a cry for help. There is a crass side of me that really does not appreciate personal problems being aired in such a context. In a way, I feel like I am being manipulated by such behavior. But that is my problem… A cry for help is just that. It is a cry for help. A fitting response is in order.

I find those who use comment forums on facebook in a positive way to be a source of inspiration.
Sue is not a lady I am personally acquainted with. She is a friend of several of my friends. I think that makes sense… Sue consistently posts comments to my friends that are positive, upbeat and well-composed. She is a thoughtful lady who uses the social networking site to encourage those she cares about. Her thoughts reveal an ability to think of others in an unselfish way.

I am wondering if the comments that I made to friends on facebook this past year were positive and helpful. I know that I have a tendency to type like I talk. Type now and think later…
I think I want to be like Sue when I grow up. My goal for this year is to be more purposed in the comments made to others. In a world that is drowning in negative communication, a good word is well-timed.

I will continue to cringe when I see comments that reveal too much information. And yes I will also respond to those crying for help during 2010. But I sure hope Sue has time to comment a lot on my friends’ status updates. Her breaths of fresh air will remind me of my resolution to be positive this year. Comment away Sue. Your friends and their friends are counting on you!