OK. Enough is enough people. Some of you on Facebook have lost your damn minds.
While scrolling on my Facebook feed recently, I saw a picture of an open casket. That’s right, someone decided the perfect time to break out the phone and take a picture is during a funeral when they approached an open casket. There are some things I don’t want to see on Facebook and, as you can imagine, that is one of them.
The problem is that wasn’t a unique violation of my eyes. You tend to violate so many other common sense rules on Facebook that no wonder young kids have no interest in opening a Facebook account. Really, studies show kids don’t think Facebook is cool and I believe that is because they see their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins completely overshare.
For instance, you post pictures from the hospital. Even worse, it’s not while you’re visiting anyone, it’s while you’re in the hospital. First of all, a hospital gown is rarely flattering, and neither is the fluorescent lighting above a gurney, so why in the hell are you taking a selfie at that time? Even more of a violation is when you are visiting someone who has been admitted into the hospital and you take a picture of that other person during the most unflattering times. They don’t want that posted, and even if I was dozing off from anesthesia, I would knock that phone out of your hand if I saw you taking a picture of me half out of it with an IV hanging out of my arm.
On a lesser level, but just as frustrating, is your need to take pictures of people who are sick at home. Maybe it’s to prove they really are sick if they called into work, but don’t post pictures of anyone sick. Why would I want to see someone who is not feeling well? To be honest, it’s a little awkward.
And you parents who post pics of kids either in the hospital or at home who don’t feel well, shame on you. They don’t want that, and aren’t you supposed to be making them some chicken noodle soup instead of staring into your phone? It seems Facebook has simply become an online prayer line, and your need to make your kid look as pitiful as possible to get attention is offensive. Come on.
I use Facebook on a daily basis and still think it is a great way to stay in touch with those you no longer see, or to get the word out about an event or issue you want to share, but how about we stop being ridiculous in what we want others to see. If you wouldn’t place a picture in a frame in your office, then why are you posting it online? The media has to receive waivers to include images of anyone they capture on camera, and I’m starting to believe that restriction might have to apply to individuals on social media as well.