How to Make Facebook Less About Me

I'm an avid Facebook user.  I probably spend way too much time on the social media site, but I like that it allows me to connect with others. As a stay at home mom, I don't have a lot of interaction with adults. I'm mostly surrounded by my young boys, doing things like laundry, dishes, or making mac 'n cheese. Let me tell ya, it can get very boring and isolating. Facebook for me is a tool to connect with the world outside my living room. In generations past, women would sit on the porch and share coffee with their neighbors. Or, they would talk on the phone for hours at a time. Facebook is just a new way of doing the same thing.  

The downside of Facebook is that it can become all about me, myself and I. Numerous studies have even shown correlations between narcissism and Facebook. 

Here are four ways that you can make Facebook more about promoting the interests of others, rather than the interests of yourself. 

Create Groups
Are there specific groups of people you would like to interact with more? How about your Community Group, MOPS group, or even your extended family?  Try creating a Private/Secret Group. This is a place where only those who are members of the group are able to see what is posted. Be sure to ask permission of your friends before adding them to a group. You can even set up guidelines in the about section. I've found this to be a fun and encouraging way to stay up to date with my own community group.  

Ask questions
Are your posts filled with updates on what you ate for breakfast, your to do list for the day, or how adorable your daughter is?  How about instead of posting about yourself, you post a question that invites interaction from your Facebook friends. This can be a fun way to engage with others online. People really do enjoy sharing things about themselves, but they often need an invitation to do so. You can ask what your friends did on the weekend, what their thoughts are on the latest craze, or even invite their comments on a decision you are pondering. 

Seek out more information 
Sometimes a friend will post something that doesn't convey the whole story. It could be about a hobby, a past experience, or even a personal struggle. Take the time to message them privately or even take the convo offline. This can be a great way to show that you care and are genuinely interested in their lives.  

Make new friends
Often when I meet someone new, I ask them if they would like to be friends on Facebook.  In my experience, it is an easy way to keep a new friend on my radar. This way I can easily message her to set up a coffee date or even just start to get to know her better through her postings. 

What ways have you found to make Facebook more about others than about yourself?
What other social media outlets to you enjoy?

Check out the rest of the Not About Me November Series

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About Keri

Most days Keri can be found cruising in her Swagger Wagon, reading a good book, or laughing with friends over large cups of coffee.  She finds great fulfillment in serving those who might not walk through the doors of a church, but still desperately need the Hope that only God can give.  She also enjoys learning about God through unorthodox means, and occasionally blogs about it at Pop Parables.  She also gets in touch with her creative side at BringingCraftyBack. Keri lives in the Greater Seattle area with her husband, their three boys, and 2 weiner pups.

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