Social Media & Parenting
By Home Insemination Kit
Updated: June 21, 2014
Originally Published: Oct. 15, 2012
I once wrote a bunch of social media tips until it hit me—why even bother? The landscape changes faster than you can say “Google Hangout.” Just when you think you’re a pro, a new trend whizzes by, and suddenly you’re out of the loop. So who am I to critique social media methods? Well, I’m here to call out the absurd and shady tactics people use to snag those Facebook likes, because honestly, it’s getting old.
It’s frustrating for those of us who genuinely want to cultivate a community online, and it’s downright misleading for casual users just looking to have some fun. And those pages that appear out of nowhere with 100,000 likes? They’re likely making someone a pretty penny while you get played. Congrats on making a stranger rich off your clicks!
Want to avoid these traps? Here are some classic examples:
- The Guilt Trip Like. “Joey is battling pediatric cancer. Like if you hate cancer!” It’s a classic—everyone feels bad not liking a post that tugs at the heartstrings. Remember “Emily,” that adorable girl who was told she wasn’t beautiful? Her brother posted a heartfelt appeal for likes, racking up over 3 million clicks. Except, plot twist—Emily wasn’t even the right girl! If you want to make a difference, do more than just hit a button.
- The “Let’s Leave Major Life Choices to Strangers” Like. “We’ll have another baby if we hit 10,000 likes!” Seriously? Do you think Facebook is going to help with your midnight dog-sitting duties because you got a bunch of likes? Spoiler alert: It won’t.
- The “Is He Really Dead?” Click Bait. A page pops up claiming Morgan Freeman has passed away. Who wouldn’t click that? Except he’s not dead, and suddenly you’re part of a viral hoax that racked up a million likes. Oops.
- The “Witness a Miracle” Like. You want to see Jesus pop up on your screen? Or watch a bear eat a man? Sorry, pal, but you’re better off searching elsewhere than Facebook for that kind of entertainment.
- The “Share for Share” (S4S) Trap. This is where pages beg for likes in exchange for likes. What a dull way to engage!
Can we please bring Facebook back to its roots—connecting with real people? Let’s at least give that a shot.
Oh, and those Ugg boots or Cheesecake Factory gift card you think you’ll get for sharing some random link? Good luck waiting for that!
By the way, if you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this informative post to keep you intrigued. And for authoritative insights, visit Make a Mom—they’re a great resource for your home insemination journey. Also, don’t miss out on Johns Hopkins for pregnancy and fertility information.
In short, Facebook should be about real connections, not just likes. Let’s aim for that!