We know the vast majority of you who read this have a Facebook account of some sort. Whether it be Twitter, MySpace (or My____ as it is now known), or any other social networking site you use. But the fact is, that almost everyone makes mistakes that can end up in a whole world of trouble. Here are the top 10.
1. Using your Facebook to promote yourself – This is aimed more at business’, artists and alike. If you just use your Facebook to get your name out there, you may find yourself on the receiving end of backlash. No one likes a page that drives them nuts about your new song or new application every second of the day. Use it wisely, or at least more personal.
2. Living your whole life on Facebook – Facebook is not a soap opera. Remember that. Some people may not want to see a minute-by-minute rundown of your daily routine, it’s just too much. I’m sure that ‘Bob White’ does not care that you are drinking Mountain Dew because you are thirsty. Stop being so personal.
3. Drunken messages, comments, and wall posts – We have all been there. We have a few drinks and get the smartphone out. Drunk-texts are so last year, so remember the feeling you got when you woke up in the morning with that hangover and realised you left some comments you shouldn’t have? Yes, so try your best to not to make yourself look like a complete idiot.
4. Scams – Facebook is full of them. Old accounts hacked, people asking you to wire them money, you give in and bam. You’ve been had. It is something that can easily be avoided with common sense.
5. Dramas, fights and cyber arguments – This is becoming common place in the Facebook world. Heck, it has been around forever since the invention of article comments and blogs. We all have our hates, but just try and leave these gripes at the door. It’s not pretty to see, especially from a potential employer or bosses perspective.
6. Clicking fake virus/malware links – Another flaw that Facebook users tend to fall for more than they should. Links about Justin Bieber, naked girls, and little people killing themselves on halloween are fake. Don’t click them. Simple as that.
7. Using “free” WiFi hotspots – Constantly searching around for free web access can be a little frustrating at times, but if it is just for surfing Facebook, that may be a little desperate. There is no knowing if that hotspot is free, and even if it is, it might just be there to steal your personal data. There are numerous ways this can be avoided, so make sure you check out the web for some of the best plugins and apps that can help you fight this.
8. Friend requesting people because they look hot – Personally, I have never done this. Imagine when you first speak to the person. You would have to explain that you are not a stalker, and think of a valid reason why you added them in the first place. Saying “I thought your profile picture was hot” can be a little awkward which can promptly result in being blocked and ignored. It’s not cool, ladies and gents.
9. Clicking adverts – Especially inside of Facebook games. You never know what these adverts really are, and could all be part of a plan to get you into their scamming techniques. You have been warned.
10. Not configuring Facebook’s privacy settings – This is almost a sin. When I first found out about Facebook’s privacy settings, I changed mine to fit my needs almost straight away. There are options to be almost undiscoverable to the entire Facebook population or open to the whole world. I don’t advise the latter, but some sort of customization should be able to fit your needs. If you haven’t done so already, I recommend you do it now.
Can you think of other frequently made mistakes, Facebook users?
Source: PC World
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