In social networking, ‘unfriending’ is popular option when coversation turns unfriendly

Lifestyle feature for The Commercial Appeal

June 5, 2010

Virginia Ivy, former Memphian and current resident of the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, was raised with true Southern manners to believe that it is in poor taste to discuss politics, religion or money in social situations that are not specifically geared to those conversations.

“I started out on Facebook posting my political positions, but have since weaned off of it since I do not appreciate others’ opinions opposite of mine when I am logging on for social stress relief,” said the 39-year-old virtual manager for a New York corporate travel agency. “I un-friend people who post or link to hateful things.”

Debate swirls over privacy concerns and information sharing on Facebook, but navigating the social network also leads to other questions, including those of etiquette — what to talk about and how much to talk about it.

Certainly there is a decorum to be followed in face-to-face social situations, whether a dinner party, play date or actual date, but what of the fairly faceless medium of social media? Do the same rules apply and to what outcome? … (read more)