Ways to Ruin Your Reputation.

I recently came across an article entitled, “18 Ways to Ruin Your Reputation on Facebook.” As I read the article, I found myself repeatedly saying, “That’s right.” It then dawned on me that the way we ruin our reputation on Facebook, is pretty much the way we ruin our reputation in life. See if you agree. I have personalized these “ways” finding myself usually “guilty as charged.”

First, the ugly …

1. Post something out of frustration in the heat of the moment. 

Don’t say (or write or post) anything in the heat of the moment. Give it some time. You will be glad you waited.

2. Criticize people.

Sometimes we think we are being subtle when we don’t mention names. But in context, folks know to whom we refer and really isn’t that what we want?

3. Embarrass yourself.

Why do we say things online that we would never say in person. Trying saying out loud what you are about to post. You may hit “delete” a lot.

4. Embarrass your family.

I love my family and I think the things they do are cute. Before posting consider how you would feel if what  you are about to say was said about you.

5. Criticize other churches in the community

Lots of folks seem to love that church that you don’t think much of. Maybe they know something you don’t.

The self-absorbed …

6. Only talk about yourself.

People love it when you show interest in what they do. They quickly bore of hearing all about you and what you do. We tend to talk about and post what we are excited about. Most folks think their kids are the cutest; their spouses are the best; their churches are the holiest. Why not tell the folks you are proud of instead of posting to a world that will probably be bored.

7. Share everything.

There are some things about you I don’t want to know. I bet you feel the same about my life.

The disingenuous …

8. Act like your life is perfect. 

Nobody is perfect, and everyone knows it. If you act like everything is good all the time, you’ll be perceived as inauthentic, wearing a mask. This is especially important for Christians. We do a great service when we let others know we have problems and struggles, like everyone else. It puts us on common ground where real communication can occur and genuine relationships develop.

9. Act like you’re always “blessed.” 

We are always blessed. We just don’t always feel like it. Nobody is happy all the time either. A little honesty goes a long way.

10. Act like you have all the answers.

Nobody likes a know-it-all either. Share insight and advice when asked. Be confident but not arrogant. Just consider that just maybe you don’t know it all. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

The offender …

11. Act like the language/morality police.

Your Facebook friends are not perfect. They are going to swear, post questionable pictures of themselves and share things you don’t agree with. If something is really bad, consider contacting the person privately about it, but don’t call people out publicly for what is unfortunately common behavior in our culture. “Unfriend” is always an option. I am “friends” with lots of folks with whom I disagree on matters of morality, faith and politics. I think it’s important to keep doors open. I just don’t always like what comes through the door. That’s a compromise I’ve decided to make. It’s a personal decision for each of us.

12. Roll out the fire and brimstone.

I think there is a lot more talk about fire and brimstone than there is actual fire and brimstone preaching.  Be real, honest, loving, and courteous. Those qualities should not be mutually exclusive.

13. Be overly political.

Politics is important, yet not eternally significant. It’s fine to be political. Just remember this world will be a mess until Jesus comes back. No political party is going to change that.

14. Engage people in debates.

Discussions, become debates, become fights. Know when enough is enough.

The disengaged …

15. Post a lot of  stuff that’s over your friends’ heads.

I don’t discuss subjects in detail in which I consider myself an expert. I do this because it bores others; but I may also find out I’m not as big an expert as I think.

16. Log in once every week or two. Relationships require consistency.

Friends, in life and on Facebook, spend real time together. Just dropping in once in a while, puts you at risk of walking into a conversation or situation unaware.

17. Fail to respond.

People in life and on Facebook don’t like to be ignored.

Hope the above was helpful. It really doesn’t matter because it helped me a lot.

Be blessed.

Nick