Media Watchdog
Going to the bathroom? No need for a status update please!

Going to the bathroom? No need for a status update please!

A list of 10 things people should consider before pressing the share button on Facebook - please leave us alone!

Faraz Hasan January 09, 2013

The advent of social websites such as Facebook and Twitter has forever changed the way we interact with each other. Just about a decade ago, you would not have imagined that you would be able to keep in touch with all your friends from kindergarten through to graduation, your family and your workmates in such a manner as is possible today.

These websites have not only given us the power to share our whereabouts with the world on a real-time basis but have also allowed us to share our thoughts on news, views and happenings around the world.

But this power has also given rise to a new problem; a condition known as ‘The Like Syndrome’ (also called the ‘Attention Seeking Syndrome’ or ‘ASS’ but that’s just rude!)

In fact, we all suffer from this condition in one form or the other because let’s face it, we all love a little bit of attention from time to time but acute sufferers of this condition just seem to go overboard in the quest to obtain as many ‘likes’ (or ‘favourites’ on Twitter) as possible.

I am talking about those people who stop at nothing when sharing information about their daily life and others who share just about every picture or video they come across, whether it makes sense or not!

So having seen a fair share of ‘like-mongers’ (and somewhat being one myself!), below is a list of 10 things I think people should consider before hitting the share button

1. As a general rule, think twice before posting personal details and pictures online. Be careful when adding people and make sure only trusted people have access to your pictures. There are a lot of sick people out there and you never know who may be looking at the information you have posted and if it is being used for ulterior purposes!

2. Spare the details – Yes, we are very happy that you had a baby boy but do you really need to post the number of hours you spent in labour or how much your baby weighs? Sometimes less is more!

3. Refrain from stating the obvious – So it’s really raining outside? I am sure I would never have known that if you and a 100 other people on my list didn’t update me!

4. If you feel like crying, use a tissue paper not your Facebook status – You know why? Because half the people in your list don’t care that you are sad and the other half are probably happy that you are suffering.

5. Always check the authenticity of information before posting – just because a post has 1000+ likes does not mean it is authentic and true. Please do a little research before you share something because you never know that you may inadvertently be spreading false propaganda and flaming more conspiracy theories.

6. Your likes will not save that baby’s life – enough said!

7. Pakistan cricket fans, we have the most inconsistent sports team in the world so before posting an overly optimistic status slamming your opponents, please remember that there is a tomorrow and you might have to eat your words! Also, please don’t update your status after every wicket/boundary. You are just cluttering our timelines because you know what, we have a TV too!

8. When you go on a vacation, please stop with the constant check-ins – It was nice to know that you are in Malaysia, but do you really have to let us know where you had lunch/dinner? Or where you went to the bathroom? Also, please don’t post 350 pictures of you posing with every building, street lamp, letter box, dog and cat. I think people usually get bored after the 50^th picture so again, less is more!

9. Your wife is probably a great cook but I don’t think people are interested to look at pictures of her latest ‘creation!’ In fact, most people probably removed you from their timeline after you posted the fifth picture of the pizza she made last week.

10. Boys, if you really want to look at questionable pictures and videos of Hollywood/Bollywood stars, please make sure that the auto-share option is off because we seriously do not want to know how you spend your ‘me time!’

In case you are still not convinced with my tips above, then I’ll let Obama convince you!

This post originally appeared here.

Read more by Faraz here or follow him on Twitter @eff_eche

WRITTEN BY:
Faraz Hasan A Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and is currently working in the UK & Ireland division of one of the big 4 audit firms. His interests include travelling, cricket and photography. He tweets @eff_eche (https://twitter.com/eff_eche) and blogs at http://farazhasan.wordpress.com

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

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COMMENTS (45)

Shiraz Nisar | 11 years ago | Reply Impressive article. i liked and agreed with all points...

syed zaki | 11 years ago | Reply Impressive article,really glad to read it. Totally agreed!

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Lamss | 11 years ago | Reply Going through the comments I'm yet again amazed at how many nasty comments the blog evoked. Seriously do people not understand that each person is entitled to his/her own opinion?! And neither are the recommendations in this blog going to become law so please chill!!

Lamss | 11 years ago | Reply Loved this post, especially # 7!!!

aj | 11 years ago | Reply fb sucks. . Its like same things again and again!

Dante | 11 years ago | Reply It's about time to delete your facebook profile. The world outside is beautiful. Most of the times it's sunny too. You should visit a park and socialize with people there. You would not encounter "going to bathroom" or "getting ready to eat" chants over there.

Bisma | 11 years ago | Reply Good artical!! although a lot of people don't approve of the list you shared but somewhere in their minds they must be agreeing with just some points you highlighted above! ....... i just did! :D

H2 | 11 years ago | Reply If you have so many issues why don't u do yourself a favour Mr.Faraz....deactivate your facebook account :) ...I mean i know all you mentioned happens n is annoying as hell in some cases not all!..n if you're not interested u can simply go to that person's profile click "friends" tab and then "settings" and then click "some updates" ..btw the option "all updates" and "most updates"(default) are also available...or u can delete that person if he/she annoys you....YOU are NO ONE to restrict anyone! ...Facebook is more about entertainment then simple social networking...and that's what people are doing....Ap kyu jaltay hain ager =P let them post 1000 pic and enjoy the comments...why should anyone stop if ur not Facebook settings literate.....Pardon me for my rudeness. Good day!

umar | 11 years ago | Reply What an article.. liked it and agreed to every point Thank God i am not being an ASS! (attention seeking syndrome) cause i left fb long time ago

raana kanwal | 11 years ago | Reply the writer seems to be quite bored of such social networks.... u need to take some time OFF!!!

Zohair | 11 years ago | Reply No need for this Big Blog....u cud just have updated ur FB status and ur social circle would be better updated....sometimes Less is More :P.

Shahrukh Saim | 11 years ago | Reply very humorous article first of all brother. i personally enjoyed every bit of it. And for those, giving suggestions to unsubscribe, I must say it's a very fine commentary on very humorous status updates of random people. I have been using Facebook since 2009 and what I did noticed very often, that fee male Facebook users get many likes even if their status is of no mean. Also some people are so self centered that they refrain from liking other's status even though they like post.

KSP | 11 years ago | Reply nice article, but then again with a "SHARE THIS ON FACEBOOK" option :) so u want me to clutter my wall too??? :)))) looks like double cheese burger with a diet coke :))

shuja ul islam | 11 years ago | Reply u are to take away one thing that people living in fantasy land found happiness in the real world..let them be...thats what makes them relevant..100+ likes..!!

Sy | 11 years ago | Reply Stop living for facebook !

Deen Sheikh | 11 years ago | Reply @ Writer Get a life, some people are active on social media, depending on trends with their social circle, where they are located, their educational institute, no need to criticize those active on Facebook and Twitter, such behavior is called being judgmental which is not nice, how would you like it if people were judgmental towards u and it is extremely rude to accuse people of attention seeking behavior, get a life.

Muzammil Hussain | 11 years ago | Reply Social media, especially Facebook is being taken seriously by people nowadays. Whatever is posted is actually taken as a reflection of your mood or some sort of hidden message to your lover/opponent. Platform like Facebook at least provide you somewhat rigid control over what you actually share and with whom you share. But what about those aunties and uncles trying to cope with the technological present and not even know how to turn the computer on? Social media is really cool as far as self restraint and control is concerned. Anyway, everyone have a right to expose there complete privacy if they want to.

Madhia | 11 years ago | Reply Seriously, esp "check ins" are really cheap and shoda way of expressing that u actually travel.. plus i have some complaints from facebook too.. They are working as an spy, i mean what if i commented on some post but i dont want it to appear on other person's timeline like "Madhia commented on this post". I dont even have the privacy to like any picture coz if i like any sexual quotes or funny but adult jokes, they might appear on my uncle's timeline as "Madhia likes this" yes guys, i am using the "hide" option but stil FB u are also becoming annoying day by day

SHAGY | 11 years ago | Reply I am the biggest facebook addict there is...but without facebook I wouldnt know what my brother in Germany is doing, what my sister in Islamabad is doing, what my other sister in lahore is up to and tell them how my life in Doha is and they get to see what a fantastic cook I have become after staying away from mom who is also in Pakistan. I agree with some of the things you mentioned.....BUT its in your control...I have hidden several people from my timeline who are always just sharing disgusting pictures or irritating videos...I have also added my best friends in close friends list so I see what kind of music they "like" or what is their new fav book or movie without having to spend hundreds of riyals on phone calls...similarly this has brought us more closer to our dad...who also lives abroad but he has us all in his close friends list so he know what are we into and upto.....I almost never talk to all 900 of my friends on fb...but I know at least what 300-400 are upto and refer to it when I do talk to them...this makes them feel special as well....so yeahh grow up this is the world we are living in now and try and look at positive things....and what irks you get rid of it with just a click (unsubscribe)

Dani | 11 years ago | Reply Ok right! Then what is that Social Website for??? Sharing things na! You share what you want and you don't pay attention to what you don't like.......it's simple Yeah sharing very personal details and pics really is not safe at any public place.....but still people have right to share whatever they want.......subsequently you have the right to ignore or hide them.......don't nag at least!!

Erum | 11 years ago | Reply Though u have exaggerated the issue to some extent, an entertaining read nonetheless :)

Sabeen | 11 years ago | Reply @enu: Isn't that a bit cruel?

sahar syed | 11 years ago | Reply hilarious . I feel the pain:D

qaisrani | 11 years ago | Reply excellent blog. a must read for people who consider facebook as their "aamal nama " :P

sarah | 11 years ago | Reply I think.you are over critical here. that's what fb is as far as status updates n check in is concerned. I agree to sharing on videos and other content. but not all.of it.

Outsider | 11 years ago | Reply I do agree with you! Why we should waste our time to see people showing off and sharing their rubbish posts.

Something Clever | 11 years ago | Reply I don't think people are ever going to get away from #2 in one form or another. I take issues with the title though. I want to know. I want the details, too. I was nodding my head with a very serious look on my face as I typed that.

anwar suhail | 11 years ago | Reply Absolutely right. I truly appreciate this blog. Cheers

Sabeen | 11 years ago | Reply Great read BUT lets face it, we are a generation heavily reliant on Facebook. We like the connections, we like the information it brings us, we love the interaction. Would your Facebook feed be half as interesting if people stopped snapping pictures of their wife's delightful cooking or checking in at their next hot travel destination? We are a generation that likes "sharing", you may not necessarily "like" the idea but it's true. Having said that, I totally agree that social media can be a menace and must be used with caution, judgement and discretion. I do remember being horrified when I came across a newsfeed telling me that someone I went to college with and had great respect for had just finished reading an article on bedroom tips. Now THAT is stuff I don't need to know and don't want to know either!

The Only Normal Person Here. | 11 years ago | Reply Facebook War needs to end, in short. Well done.

enu | 11 years ago | Reply also, people need to stop posting close up pictures of their ugly babies

Parvez | 11 years ago | Reply I think you are very right. Social websites are for you to use but when they start using you, then you know you're in trouble.

Mountie | 11 years ago | Reply Author must learn from Cynical. If you dont like something then get rid of it.

Hammad | 11 years ago | Reply Who let this guy have his own blog?

Aijaz Haider | 11 years ago | Reply Facebook users have to face the inevitable. Good tips. But I am not convinced and even Obama won't be able to convince me.

Cynical | 11 years ago | Reply Love your top ten! For all the reasons mentioned in your write up, I am no longer on facebook. It breeds evil and wastes time. Good riddance for me!

Zafar | 11 years ago | Reply I certainly like this article as far as the idea of the article is concerned but you see my friend if you study the portal, it is designed to be used like that. Without typing anything in the status bar just observe. It reads, "WHATS HAPPENING?" This statement actually reveals a solution to most of your concerns, There are people in this world and almost all the time something happens to some one. My friend its high time to realize that originally Facebook is designed to be used in this fashion! Then again its up to you how you want to use it. You don't like people sharing their personal details or pictures etc. try unsubscribing as other comments to your article have suggested you. People have a life and they have the right to live it the way they want to and everyone knows whats good and whats bad.

Rakshinda | 11 years ago | Reply Yes may be you mentioned the obvious stuff but i loved reading this article. Hilarious!

J man | 11 years ago | Reply Two more that you should've included are * People who talk excessively about every little thing their young child does or says... We know you love your child... we dont find it funny when your 3 year child says he finds his mother better looking than his father... * People who during the course of a cricket match are doing commentary as facebook status updates... we can watch the match in front of our screens you idiots and listen to the commentary too... spare us your thoughts...

Ali Kamran | 11 years ago | Reply Superb, very nice tips and suggestions. Also amusing to read too..:) Nice piece of writing. Keep it up.

nighat | 11 years ago | Reply You need to chill dude. I wonder why this bothers you. u can always block/hide posts or simply delete ur account if FB gives you so much of a headache! Let ppl enjoy and interact as they want, not as you or others want them to! cheers!

M | 11 years ago | Reply If you are so bothered by the status updates etc. why don't you unsubscribe the said person from your newsfeed. That is better than reproducing a blog on a topic on which numerous articles have already been published before.

Faraz H | 11 years ago | Reply Number 11 on the list would've been the people who keep sharing their wedding and honeymoon pictures over and over again! But I wanted to restrict myself to 10 things! :)

Loner | 11 years ago | Reply Good read.

Sohaib Irshad | 11 years ago | Reply Oh boy! I feel for you. "Un subscribe" option was just introduced for people like you and the rest going to write "OMG What an excellent article, nicely put, spot on" etc etc.

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