Facebook Etiquette

Three billion minutes are spent on Facebook every single day. That's a total of 15 years in the space of 24 hours. And it's not just for kids anymore. As a matter of fact, the fastest growing group on Facebook is women 55 years and older, and if that doesn't surprise you, try this: the number of users over the age of 35 has doubled in the last 60 days, representing more than half of all Facebook users.

So you're never too old for Facebook, but learn the ropes before you take the plunge. Remember, anything you post on Facebook may be seen by anyone connected to your network. Distant relatives, friends and employers may be closer than they appear.

Tips for Facebook Newcomers:

1. Decide how you want to use Facebook before you register. Consider:

• Close Family and Even Closer Friends
• Social Acquaintances
• Business Acquaintances/Networking

Just as in real life social gatherings, the best conversations take place between people with common interests. So it is on Facebook. Your old cheerleading squad will have lots of stories to tell, but they probably won't interest your neighbor. In fact, she may feel left out of the party.

2. Choose friends wisely based on your purpose. If you'd like to have more than one group, you can do that on Facebook, keeping your professional associates separate from your weekend buddies. Resist the temptation to add “friends” just to have more of them!

3. Participate frequently with your friends in mind, but don't overdo it. Waiting for the laundry is not an interesting update, nor is this a place to take out your frustration. Keep it positive. Ask yourself, "If this was my friend, would I be interested in this post?"

You can update your status, participate and share an app, comment on your friends’ updates. This is the place to be a social butterfly. And you’ll reap the benefits by expanding your circle of friends. When cyclist Lance Armstrong began posting 3 or more times a day, his fans increased 30% in a week. You may not be a celebrity, but regular posting leads to better connections.

4. Respond quickly. If a friend sends you a message, respond within 24 hours. The internet has drastically changed our expectations for response. Plan to check your Facebook  once a day and allow time to reach out and respond. The average Facebook user spends 19 minutes a day on his page. Away from your computer? No excuse. Facebook is available as a mobile app as well on both the iPhone and BlackBerry. It’s everywhere you are.

5. Don’t “friend” your kids’ friends, or your own children for that matter. Let them come to you. And if you value this relationship, don’t criticize their posts or use Facebook to snoop. Don’t err on the opposite side either: you’re not a kid, so don’t act like one. Refrain from commenting on party pictures, etc.

6. For single gals. Sorry, you won’t like this one. Women: don’t friend men you’re interested in dating. Let him friend you first. And for both single men and women, refer back to #2. Choose your friends wisely. Facebook is notorious for provoking jealousy among the teen set, and if you’re dating again, you are at risk. Best bet: don’t friend your dates.

7. Finally, Facebook was designed to connect friends and acquaintances. Don’t be a creeper. Maintain your privacy by allowing only your friends, and in some cases, network members access to your Facebook page.

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