Please be responsible on Facebook

Social media dominates so many aspects of our lives, to the point many businesses have a Facebook page to get their name out.

I'll admit I spend a lot of time on some social media sites. Many of my friends are scattered throughout the state, and it's a good way to keep in contact with them and watch their children grow.

Plus, let's face it, we are nosy.

Social media has a down side as well, especially when people don't think before they post.

I am friends on Facebook with a girl I grew up with. She found me on the social media site not long ago, and we were able to reconnect and talk about the old days.

As time progressed, her status updates would be long and detailed. She was telling the whole world about she and her husband's argument. It got to the point they would actually argue back and forth on her status.

In my opinion, that is not the forum a couple should express their woes. Arguments are part of a relationship, but it shouldn't be aired for all of your friends and family to see.

Last week in particular was filled with tragedy. The county saw two fatal accidents in a matter of hours that killed three.

Usually when I see "Rest in Peace" written on a status I offer my condolences and do not give the unknown names -- or their validity -- much thought.

That changed last week when I lost someone close to me. I found out on Facebook one of my close friends had passed away in an accident.

The first step I took was to check the Greene County Daily World's website to verify, but something else on my news feed bothered me that day.

Someone had named the wrong person as the one who had passed away in the other vehicle. The person incorrectly named was a friend of mine's boyfriend.

What bothered me most was, what if she had seen the post on Facebook and he didn't have his phone on hand when she called to check on him?

Be respectful of others, and make sure the facts are straight before you post. As a reporter I have learned the importance of being patient, and waiting for the next of kin to be informed before names are released.

Social media can be used as an excellent tool if we use it wisely. Facebook should be used to share music, your feelings, and photos or tell what silly things your child or siblings have said.

My sister, niece and father are always saying something out of the ordinary, and I think my Facebook friends deserve a laugh as well.

I've shared information in a fit of rage I knew I shouldn't have, but I was quick to remove the posts once I calmed down.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.