Facebook is Not for Personal Problems? Why Not?

Warren Wong@wflwong

I mean, do we understand what Facebook is for? It's stated clear enough on the post box. It asks "What's on your mind?" Meaning, whatever is on your mind you may post, except things that violate FB's policies. And that does NOT include personal problems. Post all the woes you want--the site's a democracy.

There's a true story about a social site (I forget what it's name was) where a stroke victim all alone in her home asked for help on the social site. After several attempts, a guy from another country finally noticed her posts for help. This guy checked the lady's address and contacted the nearest ambulance service there (if I remember right, it was 911). The lady was rescued.

See?

If seeing personal problems posted on FB pisses you off, simply ignore them. As simple as that. You don't need to discourage people from expressing themselves on the site. I saw this poster on FB which said folks that get offended by posts on FB are like those who see shit (feces or excrement) on the street and step on them, instead of just going around to avoid them.

I often watch out for insinuations for help on FB, folks who "cry" for help but do it indirectly or using less obvious words. I also stay alert for prayer requests. There are lots of them on FB. These are opportunities to pray for troubled people who turn to FB for attention. I've made it my little ministry while I also do my work on FB as a content writer and blogger.

Plus, I post entertaining (mostly funny) posts that cater to a lot of my FB friends, even strangers. They send me personal messages urging me to keep posting my posts, though they never "like" them in public. Strange fellows. Some even say my posts "make my morning" or "give me a refreshed start for the day." Something like that. Others say they actually watch out for my posts daily. Some get relief from stress just seeing me on FB.

More people find less available people to turn to when they have problems. And social media came in just in time for such a time like this. I know God designed it this way--another one of his perfect timings--to help people improve their social life and health--it's why they call it SOCIAL media. It's a means of connecting with society. We were created to connect and get in touch.

I try my best to respond to every reaction my posts get. It's a way of saying, "Thanks for appreciating my posts. I'm also here for you." I take time to either "like" or type in a few words. Or throw in some emoticons. It just takes 2 to 3 seconds. Even less. It shows you care. Oh, believe me, a lot of people out there need to know someone cares. You can be that guy to them.