The System 568: Facebook Etiquette for Bad News

March 21st, 2012

I saw this twice today, people “liking” posts where the post was bad news. Did they really like the bad news? No, they were merely showing support through a “like”. Sounds to me like we should change them from “like” to “approve” or “support”, because that’s what you’re really doing anyway. In real life, when someone says “I think we should get pizza”, you don’t say “like”. No, you agree. Do that. Just agree.

Have any funny (or sad) Facebook stories? Share them in the comments! I’m reading, and as always so is Rossmom.

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Comments:

Rossmom

I really like what you are saying in this comic. It's very true and yes, I am reading.

I think it is a problem in such situations when you only have two choices, 'like' or 'don't like'. I think the 'right' way, is as you suggest, Ross–no question in my mind.

I think people who just click 'like' are letting you know they read your post but don't want to take the time to say something supportive or even know what to say. It's a sad commentary that a click connotes acknowledgement of a sad event.

If acknowledgement of such an event is going to be made via Facebook, then I think it's time to start a movement to provide such options!!!!! How about it Systemics! Go for it!!!!!

Kudos, Ross. You are definitely a super, observant, caring person!!!! (I'm not at all surprised.)
Musiquill

The best way: hunt them down in person and hug them.
- Rossmom
  
  I like that idea! (Although it might cost you to fly around the country to do that not to mention the time, but it's a great idea!)
  - Musiquill
    
    Well, I really meant for people you see on a semi-regular basis, but… yeah. Also, the worst way: Leave a comment of some other kind, particularly if it doesn't really seem to apply.
    
    Jimmy: So sad my grandmother died. RIP Nana
    Randy: Git er done!
    Karl: All dogs go to heaven!
Sledge

The problem I have is that to unlike something, you must first like it and that is one click in your life that you never get back.
Cassadar

it was far more hilarious when it still was the "become a fan" button! ^^
NyxiePixie

I always see people say "Dislike! =(" or "Unlike. =(" followed by an I'm sorry or something. I dunno how I feel about that. Clearly facebook will never add the dislike button, so just drop the dislike or unlike and comment.
- http://twitter.com/crsaldana @crsaldana
  
  Yeah, I don't want them to add a dislike button. It's already easy enough to act tough or argue with people over the internet, if they add a dislike button a lot of people wont even have the guts to say why they disagree with something, and since it's not anonymous, it would end up making people look like jerks.
Google

Or you could just +1.
Tiga

I do not have any problem with "like" because I know how it's meant.
But +1 prefered of course^^
- http://underneaththecover.wordpress.com/ mitchgustavtherobot
  
  But how do you know that they AREN'T just glad that your cat died?
sparky

… glad i never into FB stuff. one reason, FB robot done by Ross. (i don't like this kind of 'from-quite-to-total-open social network' stuff, rather be an 'Anonymous' type identity, or the best is 'John Connor' type identity).
but IF i have an FB account, i would like to click 'like', '+1' or 'became a fan' if something bad happen, since i'm a guy who likes to watch FB burns. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Falos

I would totally try to “like” a pizza suggestion in person, but I have avoided social networking since normals found myspace.
nightliz

I had a really terrible few months, and I predictably expressed all the crap going on through facebook statuses, usually angsty, annoying ones. I had many people "like" those sad statements, which infuriated me. Fed up with the ambiguity, I posted, "STOP LIKING MY ANGSTY STATUSES!"

It was the most well-liked status I have ever written.
http://www.centration.info krickit

I think a prime example has appeared. http://youtu.be/jkEvbOsr138
Pingback: auto surf web, Website traffic, likes facebook, Twitter Followers, YouTube Views, Google +1.
cynicalguy

Most of the times that I see people like things, it's really more like "Acknowledge", but that's too long of a word for Facebook.

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