The root of this problem lies in the new added feature which enables mass messaging on thefacebook.com almost too easily. There are several options provided as well: you can choose to harass all your friends, annoy only friends at your school, or irritate just those friends at other schools.

Another creative way to aggravate fellow facebook users is to message all members of a group.

Although there are some practical and acceptable reasons to message multiple recipients, I don't want to be reminded that the "Hug a Blade of Grass Club" is having their weekly meeting twice every day until the date of the event.

And while it appears thoughtful to send a message wishing seasons greetings, it loses effectiveness when the person discovers they are but one on a listserv of hundreds of facebook friends because in truth, not much thought was involved except pointing and clicking.

Apparently Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of thefacebook.com, caught on to the abuse of this otherwise useful facet of communicating. Now written in bold red letters on top of the messaging options page is "Please don't send spam, chain mail, or anything else that your friends don't want to read." Clearly his plea for discretion has not been effective.

In the future, please bear in mind that etiquette applies in the virtual world as well. Use good judgment in determining what constitutes improper messaging. You don't want to be known as the bearer of trivial news, and trust me, an electronic chain message on a Web site created by a college undergrad will not determine your luck for the next few decades.

< prev Page 2 of 2

Article Tools