When Facebook first came out, I resisted for a while. I didn’t understand all the hype. I went on a trip with some friends, and all they wanted to do was take pictures for Facebook. I didn’t get it. A year or so later, I decided to join, got hooked, and have been on it ever since. But I’ve learned to post with caution.
I’m not an everyday poster, but I regularly browse. I have definitely noticed changes in posts over the years. I’ve seen engagements, weddings, births, deaths, and divorces posted. Those events and the pictures that accompany them continue. I’m glad I can celebrate with them or mourn with them. However, since becoming a mom, I’ve honed in on different posts, which either, in my opinion, should not be shared on social media or should not be posted in real-time.
There are four things I feel should be posted with caution or not at all:
1. Vacation Pictures
A big draw to social media is photos. It’s an easy way to share something funny or exciting. What’s more exciting than a vacation? Well, to some, it would be to share pictures of that vacation! These are great, and I would love to see your vacation pictures, but I’d like to see them when you are home safe and sound.
As secure as your settings may be, it’s’s quite possibly could come to the wrong person’s attention that you are not home. That puts your home at risk and anyone who actually might be there taking care of your pets or your children. Please try to refrain from sharing until you are home; it will help keep you, your home, and your valuables safe.
2. Other People’s News
Your niece is pregnant? Your best friend is getting divorced? Your son got that job? This news might be exciting or possibly devastating news, but it’s not yours to share, especially without permission from the party it is directly related to. You should never share someone else’s pregnancy until they announce it themselves. Maybe your son is also looking for a job somewhere else and doesn’t want to commit to that job offer they just got. If another employer sees that they may be turned off if you post that they are taking it. The bottom line here is anything going on in someone else’s personal life and you have not received permission to share on social media should not be shared by you.
3. Body-Shaming Posts
A lot of people, I think most women complain about their bodies. Unfortunately, it’s more of an issue than it should be. There are many ways to try to control what’s bothering you and make you uncomfortable in your skin. What will not help you is posting that you “look like a whale” or “watch out for my muffin top.” Not only will it not help you feel better about your body, but it will do nothing to change it.
You may get comments like, “Don’t be silly. You look great!” But it will only fix the issue for a minute. If you are struggling with your body image, please get the help you need. It shouldn’t be consuming you so much that you need to post about it and make fun of yourself regularly.
4. Putting Down Your Children
We know on social media, you mostly put your best out there. Life is very messy, and we all know it and can acknowledge that no one has a perfect life. Most people love to share their children’s accomplishments because they are so proud. However, some parents put down their children and limit their abilities and future in their social media posts.
I have to say most of my Facebook friends have elementary-aged children or younger, so to see them post what their child won’t be able to do makes me incredibly sad. I’m not of the mind that everyone deserves a trophy or that my kids are going to be astronauts or famous musicians, but at their age, I can’t say that for sure. I have no control over the future. All I can do is support them the best I can and help them pursue their interests.
However, also at their age, I will never say they won’t go to a certain school or have a certain job because they aren’t smart enough or talented enough. Please don’t post that your child will never do this or that and put them down. That’s not fair to them to have other people think they are less than what they will truly be capable of.
There is a strong possibility your children will see your posts someday. They will see how these posts reflect upon you and how you see your children. As one of their primary role models, please take this to heart. Think about how the post will be read by them before you post it.
