This summer, a friend told me she had a strategy for using Facebook. You can imagine the look on my face as I heard this news. But honestly, I haven't stopped thinking about what a brilliant idea hers was.
My friend's strategy has multiple benefits. Personally, it keeps her organized in terms of upcoming events and other happenings. Socially, it keeps her active and in connection with a wider network of people. Professionally, it keeps her time investment in the social network low, allowing her to focus on her real work.
What exactly is it that she does? She has simply designed a systematic approach of using Facebook that reflects her personality.
First, her glance lingers on the home page. As a passionate music fan, she watches the video clips her friends have posted. "In the morning, listening to something selected by other people creates a nice vibe, a different point of view, if you want," she told me.
Then, she shifts her glance to her friends' statuses. Sometimes she comments on them, sometimes she "likes" them--actions that show less involvement than writing on walls or sending private messages. Thus, she keeps in touch with more distant friends and acquaintances.
Interestingly enough, this simple strategy illustrates her communication ethics. Commenting or "liking" other users' statuses and posts on Facebook is like waving hello to a person. Communicators don't want to look hypocritical by showing too much involvement in a conversation with someone they don't know well. Similarly, my friend is saving that right for those she considers closer to her. "In general, I don't write on walls without a reason," she said.
Having read the home page vertically, she shifts her attention to the right. She looks at upcoming birthdays and events. She always wishes happy birthday to her friends. Having gone through the entire home page, she is done with Facebook.
So, do you have your own strategy for using Facebook?
Photo Credit: frankblacknoir