If Facebook were a country, it would have the third largest population in the world. With over a billion users, it stands to reason that nearly everyone we know or have known at some time uses the social network.
It's been around for 10 years and, chances are, you've probably cultivated a lot of "friends" on your own personal account. And, just as there are plenty of differences in personality among these people, so too are there for the way they use Facebook.
I'd like to take a moment to identify and describe the several types of Facebook users I've noticed among my 881 "friends" on Facebook.
The Oversharer
Often the most annoying Facebooker, The Oversharer feels the need to give you play-by-play updates on every mundane, minute detail of their lives. They use Facebook as an interactive journal, hoping to gain approval from their peers for going to the gym or cooking pasta for dinner. Because of their constant flooding of your homepage, they're usually quick to earn a spot on your "Hide From My Newsfeed" list.
The Stalker
The Stalker will ask for your friendship, then will be brought to mind only sparingly or never at all again. On rare occasion you will see them Like something or, during an even bluer moon, comment, but for the most part these are the silent snoops of Facebook. Their last non-passive action recorded on their wall is from two or more years ago. Fear The Stalker- their mysterious browsing habits may be cause for concern, especially if you are an Oversharer.
The Braggart
The Braggart will only post the positive to Facebook, usually about cool/fun/happy things happening in their personal lives. They paint a rose-colored pictured of their life and often, intentionally or not, make you constantly reevaluate your own. Do not be fooled by The Braggart- just because they choose to only post the good doesn't make their life so; Facebook just happens to be a great way to closely filter how they present themselves to others.
The Newscaster
Hear ye, hear ye! The Newscaster has taken it upon themselves to be the first to post any headline they deem even slightly important, as soon as it happens. They feel a civil responsibility to let you know, via your Facebook Newsfeed, of any and every event being reported in real time. Thank your lucky stars for these virtual Walter Cronkites and Diane Sawyerses- without them, you might have to actually seek a news source to know what's going on.
The Politicker
Ah, finally, a place to broadcast your political views to the masses with the safety of a screen intermediary. We all know the universal rule of never discussing religion and politics unless you want to pick a fight, but The Politicker has no reservations here- because Facebook provides a confrontation safety net. Also helpful to the Politicker is the plethora of (credible or not) political .gifs, memes and propaganda that can be transferred from one webpage to their status in the blink of an eye.
The Therapy Patient
This person uses Facebook as a means of emotional release, often airing their dirty laundry to everyone in their social circles. To them, Facebook is a free, collective psychiatrist. They post their deepest, darkest feelings and secrets with abandon- often making you internally question, "Why would they put that on Facebook?" as you peruse your Newsfeed. Interestingly, their Facebook friends will often act as a support group to provide deep emotional support, usually in the form of Likes or consoling comments such as, "So sry. Hope u feel better!"
Are there any Facebook types I missed? Tell me by giving me a description and a playful name for a demographic you regularly notice in your Facebook world!
