I've been using Facebook for a long time. This social medium—whose raw seed was thought of when Mark Zuckerberg was intoxicated and going thorough heartache—helps me keep in touch with friends, stay aware of the events taking place in the world thanks to the 100+ news pages I follow, and get latest updates about my favorite musicians. Facebook has become an integral part of my life, especially that it's the only social network I use; and therefore, I've been able to easily identify the different kinds of people who use it. According to my own experience, there are six main types of people on Facebook as follows:
1- The "likers": those who "like" pretty much everything
These people have an intimate relationship with the "like" button. They almost believe it's a must to "like" all posts they come across, even if the content is not something they agree with or truly understand! Some of them also "like" their own posts, which is a catastrophic thing to do. The majority of these individuals are also rapid "likers." For example, if I post a five-minute video, I might get two or three "likes" from these "liker" friends only two minutes after the uploading process is completed!
I must admit that I, too, tend to "like" almost everything I come across when I'm online except for the following: a political post whose content I disagree with; a religious post that is a boring copy of something repeatedly published by the masses; or a post written in a language I don't know, and that would be any language other than Arabic or English. I also "like" almost all comments made on my posts, which is a really effective way of notifying a friend that I've seen or read his/her comment, especially when I don't want to reply. I personally deem it courteous to do so; and guess what? It's completely free of charge!
However, I'd never "like" any of my own posts; and—a more important note—I actually read the entire post (watch the whole video or listen to the attached song ) before I "like" it.
These people are harmless, as they don't really hurt anyone when they "like" random posts they don't actually read thoroughly. Most of these friends are also nice as hell in real life. I respect their easygoing characters, frolic spirits, and how uncomplicated their manners are.
2- The compulsive sharers: those who share news, jokes, posts, videos, and songs
Many of Facebook users prefer to rather share others' thoughts than express their own opinions. They share hilarious jokes, interesting up-to-date news, links to their favorite songs and videos. But they rarely write anything original because they either don't have time to do so, or simply don't want to; they prefer to reflect others' thoughts.
Plenty of their posts are quite informative or entertaining—especially that they post things more than any other average Facebook user; because unlike writing an entirely original post, sharing one doesn't really take much time.
I personally find some of the posts shared by these people quite interesting. I do wish if they could express themselves more daringly, but at the same time, I respect their discretion.
3- The drama queens and kings: those who bitch a lot, cry a lot, and get angry a lot
Things aren't going well enough in your life? Welcome to the club! The thing is, however, most of us choose not to share our day-to-day concerns, sorrows, tears, and moments of anger on Facebook. I know it's an intrinsic component of the human nature to complain, but self-restraint is a beautiful thing. I've complained on Facebook before on few occasions: when a close friend did a number on me three years ago, when a person manipulated my feelings two years ago, and when things at work weren't going well last year. That would be one post of bitching per year or so, not one per week!
I understand that nothing is more healing and therapeutic than expressing your own feelings and notions in writing. I'm a writer; believe me—I know that damn well! But that's why there's something called diaries or journals; keep your personal stuff there.
4- The narcissists: those who never get sick of posting their pictures.
It's completely fine to post your own pictures on Facebook. Actually, you should do it every now and then, as it would make pleasant memories years—or even decades—later when you indulge yourself on sappy reminiscence. But if you post 2–5 pictures a day, you're unquestionably a narcissist. I know this is probably none of my business, but I'm just providing you with an objective diagnosis.
In addition to their addiction to their own well-edited, well-enhanced, well-filtered photos, most of these people rarely "like" or comment on other people's posts because they consider themselves superior to everyone else and can't simply "like" a post made by someone other than themselves. And to top it off, these people almost never post anything interesting whatsoever—that's the most supreme level of meaningless existence on the web.
5- The normal people: those who are...normal
If you "like" plenty of posts you actually like and overcome your ego; share interesting, informative pieces written by someone else; comment regularly on statuses made by people whom you like or even have a crush on without having concerns of looking silly; post about everything in the world, and not just your own daily pleasure or distress; message your friends and respond to their messages on the same day or the following one, and drop the "I'm-too-good-to-respond-to-my-friends-fast" act, then congratulations—you're a great, ideal, normal person!
I'm really blessed and lucky to have numerous normal friends on Facebook.
6- The lurkers: those who monitor everything and everyone tirelessly without making any interaction at all
This is definitely the most hazardous and malicious type of people on Facebook. They follow every single post, comment, and "like" you make just so they could gather whatever information about you to make their own sickening judgements. They never "like," comment, or share any of your posts; and they never ever message you. It's their own cunning way of conveying a false sense of nonexistence. But I assure you, they exist in a fuller way than most other people do.
Most of those are unfortunately your own relatives who spread your own controversial posts among other people you know, seeking one sole objective: hurting you.
Once you spot a lurker, make sure to weed him/her out. I got rid of three lurkers last week.
