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So… you have a Facebook, along with about 500 million other people (and a few fetuses too). If you’re the average college Facebook user, you also probably have somewhere between 400-700 online friends. I’d like to point out that virtually nothing you post on Facebook is private, for instance, those pictures of your Clear Blue positive pregnancy stick.
Attention, fellow Buffs: we are in a Facebook epidemic. Somehow, since its creation, Facebook has managed to blur reality, privacy and normalcy into some strange concoction. The online social networking site is sending out messages about what is “OK” to post.
I’m not sure who is more affected by the messages of this epidemic: my former classmates that now have posted photo documentation of their nine-month pregnancies, or me, for wanting to be an innocent Facebook stalker.
There’s a fine line that is often crossed with Facebook and pregnancy, and it all revolves around Facebook etiquette, or lack thereof.
As college students, we’ve reached an age where pregnancy isn’t that uncommon or a huge deal (and that may seem strange in itself). But there’s a classy way to inform your online friends of your pregnancy, which does not include a picture of you standing next to the toilet, holding your little plastic stick.
If you’re proud of your pregnancy and choose to flaunt it to your respective social network, then by all means, go for it. There’s nothing wrong with being happy about carrying a child. All I’m saying is to do your Facebook posting with a bit of class. I would much rather see a tasteful picture of your baby bump than a six-minute video clip your significant other filmed during the birth.
After scanning through my Facebook friends, I was able to pick out the “Fertile Myrtles” from the “Proud Mothers.”
Those in the first class have pictures of their ultrasounds clogging up my Facebook feed. There’s no shame in being excited about your baby, but some things, such as those personal images, might be better kept for private viewing for those in your personal life.
The “Proud Mothers” document other aspects of their pregnancy, such as buying baby blankets and the color of the baby’s room.
Outside factors, such as shows like “Sixteen and Pregnant” or “Teen Mom” may have influenced the imbalance of Facebook etiquette. But just because America watched the entire pregnancy process of Maci Bookout doesn’t mean that your Facebook friends want to know the specific details of yours.
Rejoice in your pregnancy and inform your social network, if you so choose. Just keep it classy. Remember, we’d rather see the photos of your son’s first week home rather than those of your placenta.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Lauren Archuletta at Lauren.archuletta@colorado.edu.
