Do you post political commentary on Facebook?

[Joe_5859]

No,

I despise Facebook. I dislike, most of all, that it treats everyone the same.

When i talk to friends, i share different things in different ways to each group of friends and family. When I go to a party, i don’t yell at the top of my voice so that all can hear my opinions on different topics.

And even if i share the same bits of information with different people, i may rephrase it or go into more or less detail depending on the sensibilities of those i’m speaking to.

Well, facebook seems to me, like a way that one can broadcast his/her views on anything without that filter.

When you discuss things in this manner, it seems to me that you will leave half the people thinking that you are a blaring idiot or an insufferable loudmouth - no matter which side of the divide you find yourself on.

There are a few friends that i can discuss politics with -civilly despite disagreement.

I think Facebook has made it easier to group “friends” together. Then, when you post something, you can choose which group you want to be able to see the post. If I want to share something with my family, then I just share it with that group, not with everyone.

 

[shainski]

I think Facebook has made it easier to group “friends” together. Then, when you post something, you can choose which group you want to be able to see the post. If I want to share something with my family, then I just share it with that group, not with everyone.

That would be a vast improvement. You can probably tell, i am not a facebook aficionado.

I signed up so i could see baptism pictures that my BIL posted a couple years ago. I log in to see what others’ post, but i seldom post myself.

And i am embarrassed for her when i see all the travails of my 30+ niece - how she wears her heart on her sleeve with every good or bad date - how she trashes her employer. And other with their political views or other things they choose to share.

When i’m tempted to post something, I just think that each of those people must have thought that what they were posting was cute or thoughtful or imaginative.

 

[Joe_5859]

That would be a vast improvement. You can probably tell, i am not a facebook aficionado.

I signed up so i could see baptism pictures that my BIL posted a couple years ago. I log in to see what others’ post, but i seldom post myself.

And i am embarrassed for her when i see all the travails of my 30+ niece - how she wears her heart on her sleeve with every good or bad date - how she trashes her employer. And other with their political views or other things they choose to share.

When i’m tempted to post something, I just think that each of those people must have thought that what they were posting was cute or thoughtful or imaginative.

It is definitely better to under-post than over-post on Facebook. I, too, am amazed at what some people choose to share. I very seldom post anything. Maybe once every 3 months or something.

 

[Rainaldo]

It is definitely better to under-post than over-post on Facebook. I, too, am amazed at what some people choose to share. I very seldom post anything. Maybe once every 3 months or something.

It was principally because of this that I dropped out of Facebook.

One day I realized that 99% of the information I was receiving through Facebook was useless garbage.

I can handle the stupid drama, the nearly indecipherable slag that passes for communication, and the endless friend requests from people who don’t even know anyone I actually know.** It was status updates such as “I’m bored” that finally put me over the edge.**

 

[laircy]

In the past, I never did. Lately, though, I have seen more and more of my left-leaning friends post very smug, very liberal comments and share very liberal and often offensive wall photos. Because of that, I have been “liking” many conservative and Catholic posts and sharing conservative wall photos. I don’t comment on the liberal posts, though. I only want to plant seeds and let others know where I stand. I don’t want to start any fruitless arguments or get involved in a Facebook debate.

This, exactly.

 

[gh4]

When my conservative friends post something good, I “Like” it. I will not post political stuff for the most part. My liberal friends post all kinds of stuff, and I just ignore it for the most part. I’m surprised how liberal many of them are and how they have no problem being so forward and outspoken they are with their political views.

 

[JRRTFAN]

Oftentimes I see my Facebook friends post status updates or share news stories of a political nature. I agree mostly with what my Catholic friends post; however, I do have friends who lean on the liberal side and post things that I do not agree with in the least bit.

I myself refrain from posting anything political or really anything at all on Facebook. It’s partly because I tend to be a rather reserved person and don’t share my political opinions publicly. It’s also partly because I’m friends with (past) colleagues/classmates who may become business associates/contacts in the future, and I don’t want my political leanings to impede potential business dealings. However, some of them obviously do not share this view, and are quite liberal (pun intended) with their postings. I could choose to not subscribe to their news feeds, but I’m afraid I might miss something important, like a reunion or an important event in their lives. I probably should’ve included my professional contacts on LinkedIn only, but I guess it’s a little too late for that.

So, how do you tend to approach this problem? Thank you.

I posted political commentary for a long time. Problem is, I have a couple relatives and friends who are 180 degrees from me. It caused no end of personal grief including the “silent treatment” at Christmas gathering. My 29 year old daughter told me: “Facebook is not the place for politics, Dad.” And she generally agreed with me. I quit doing it, although I was sorely tested with this Obamination from the Supremes this week. I do know this, It’s all Bush’s fault.

 

[ringil]

I have friends and family of both persuasions so I don’t really post regarding politics.

CAF is the only internet place where I get into that.

I frequent another forum related to a hobby which rarely gets acrimonious and I really appreciate that.

I find it amusing that the least charitable internet location I frequent is a Catholic discussion forum.

 

[Sarabande]

No, I don’t. I actually don’t like Facebook, but, unfortunately, it is the only way I can even get in contact with family, friends and music colleagues. People no longer use email that much, nor do they write letters anymore (my preferred method of communication with close friends and family.) I have always disliked talking on the phone since a child, so I’d rather meet up in person.

One of the good things about it is that there are music gig lists that I’m part of and have gotten music jobs through it. Also, I’ve had composers and others musicians with whom I’ve lost contact, who have found me on Facebook (I go by my professional name, rather than my married, real-life name). We’ve reconnected and have referred each other for jobs or collaborated with each other.

The professional connections is one of the main reasons why I don’t post anything political.