Don’t let social networking ruin your relationship

"One of my friends recently posted a video from YouTube onto Facebook called Don’t Let Facebook Ruin Your Relationship. The video was hysterically funny and sad at the same time. The couple ranted and raved about the activity on each others Facebook and Twitter accounts and were quite involved in every bit of activity at all times of the day. I wonder if they are keeping tabs on whether their mate is involved in internet dating in some form.

After watching the video, it had me thinking about something. While social networking is fun and you can get back in touch with old friends and colleagues that you may have lost touch with, but has it gone too far with privacy issues? Along with this video, there have even been instance where an employee posted a rant about their boss on their social page and unfortunately the boss saw it and the person was soon dismissed from their job. So not only are people getting in trouble with their relationships, but some are getting trouble on the job and even losing their jobs.

Now I cannot say this is all the fault of social networking sites. We all have to have common sense when posting sensitive information. You cannot flirt with someone else on your page knowing that your partner might see it. As well, it might not be a good idea to say you hate your boss and post it for the world to see. There are just some things that might just be better left unsaid. Perhaps the social networks can include a disclaimer or some sort of list of social networking etiquette for users. This could help people know what not to write or rant about.

In defense of social networking sites, is this fact. Social networking does provide another successful medium in which people can communicate. Statistics show that large parts of the population currently are members to either one or more of the social networking sites. You get to join groups and share interests with people who have a similar mindset. You can even network and maybe land a job by talking to the right person at the right time. One thing to keep in mind is that these sites are not called social networking sites for nothing. The same social etiquette you use when meeting people in person apply online. Don’t allow your frustration or curiosity while social networking to ruin your career or your love life. "

Judith Davis is a former Online Editor for Hearst Digital Media and Conde Nast, she has worked on many of the magazines websites. Judith has also worked as a Content Editor at Precious Times Magazine and as an Advisory Board Member at Harlem World Magazine. As a Programming Manager at AOL, she oversaw all editorial decisions for the Digital Lifestyle Channel and published her first novel in 2005. Judith has also worked for MTV Networks, @aol.com and visit her website.


Taken from: Don’t let social networking ruin your relationship