Navigating the digital world can feel like a minefield, especially when there’s a generational gap involved. As a baby boomer, it’s easy to unwittingly commit social media faux pas that leave younger folks scratching their heads.

And yes, Facebook is no exception. It might seem like a simple platform to connect with friends and family, but there’s an unspoken etiquette to follow.

From oversharing personal details to using outdated slang, there are certain things boomers do on Facebook that can make them seem out of touch with the younger generation.

In this article, I’m going to highlight seven of these behaviors. My aim? To help bridge the digital divide, making online communication smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Because let’s face it – we all could use a little help keeping up with the fast-paced world of social media. So let’s dive in!

1) Using Facebook as a personal diary

In the early days of social media, it wasn’t unusual for users to share every little detail of their day. We’ve all seen those posts about what someone had for breakfast or how many loads of laundry they’ve done.

But as social media has evolved, so too have the norms around what to post. Nowadays, younger users utilize platforms like Facebook for sharing highlights or meaningful moments, not routine parts of their day.

When boomers use Facebook as a personal diary, meticulously documenting their daily routines, it can seem out of touch with these unspoken rules.

It’s not that sharing your life is a bad thing, but the level of detail can sometimes be overwhelming and off-putting to younger users.

Being mindful of what you choose to share can go a long way in bridging the generational gap on Facebook. After all, it’s about connecting with others, and effective communication is key.

Next time you’re about to post that you’re off to the grocery store, maybe reconsider if that’s really what your friends and family want to read about on their feed.

2) Overusing emojis and abbreviations

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good emoji as much as the next person. They can be a fun and expressive way to add a little personality to our posts and messages. But there’s such a thing as overdoing it.

I remember when my Aunt Linda first discovered emojis. Suddenly, every comment and post was peppered with an array of smileys, thumbs up, and hearts. It was amusing at first, but it quickly became overwhelming.

Similarly, abbreviations can be a tricky territory. Yes, they can save time, but using too many or using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

For instance, I’ve seen some of my older friends use “LOL” thinking it means “Lots of Love”, leading to some awkward situations.

So moderation is key here.

Emojis and abbreviations can be great tools for conveying emotion and saving time on social media, but overuse can make posts difficult to read and interpret, especially for younger users who are accustomed to more restrained usage.

Remember, sometimes less is more!

3) Ignoring privacy settings

Facebook has a host of privacy settings designed to give users control over who sees their content. However, these settings can often go unnoticed or be confusing for those not familiar with them.

What many boomers may not realize is that by default, most of their posts are public, meaning anyone on Facebook – friends or not – can see them.

This can unintentionally lead to personal photos and posts being visible to a wider audience than intended.

This isn’t just about online safety, but also about social media etiquette. Younger generations are more aware of these settings and often use them to curate who sees their content, making it more targeted and personal.

Understanding and using Facebook’s privacy settings effectively can not only protect your online privacy but also make your interactions more in tune with the norms of the platform.

It’s worth taking the time to explore these settings – you might be surprised at how tailored you can make your Facebook experience.

4) Posting chain messages and hoaxes

We’ve all seen them – those posts that urge you to copy and paste a message or risk bad luck, or those warnings about privacy changes that turned out to be hoaxes.

While these may seem harmless, they can actually be quite frustrating for younger users.

Today’s youth have grown up with the internet and are usually more skeptical of what they read online. They’re adept at recognizing and ignoring these types of posts, often viewing them as spam.

When boomers share these chain messages without verifying their authenticity, it can make them seem gullible and out of touch with the online world.

A quick check on a reputable fact-checking site before sharing these types of posts can save everyone a lot of eye-rolling.

Remember, not everything you read online is true, and it’s important to verify information before passing it along.

This not only helps avoid spreading misinformation but also keeps your Facebook feed clean and enjoyable for your friends and followers.

5) Over-commenting on posts

There’s a delicate balance to maintain when engaging with others’ posts on Facebook. While it’s great to show interest and support, too many comments can sometimes come across as intrusive or overbearing.

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of this myself. When my son first went off to college, I found myself commenting on nearly every one of his posts.

It was my way of staying connected and showing him that I cared. But after a gentle conversation, I realized that my frequent comments were a bit too much for him.

Now, I try to be more selective with my comments. By choosing to engage meaningfully rather than frequently, I’ve found that our online interactions are more enjoyable and less stressful.

Remember, it’s not about quantity but quality. Engaging thoughtfully with others’ posts shows respect for their digital space and helps foster genuine connections.

6) Frequent profile picture changes

Profile pictures are an important aspect of your online identity on Facebook. They’re the first thing people see when they visit your profile and can give a glimpse into your personality or interests.

Younger users often choose a profile picture that they feel represents them and stick with it for a while. However, some boomers tend to change their profile picture frequently, sometimes even daily.

While this habit isn’t necessarily harmful, it can seem unusual to younger users who view a profile picture as something more permanent.

In addition, constant changes can make it harder for others to recognize you in their feed, leading to confusion.

Next time you’re tempted to change your profile picture, consider if it’s really necessary. Sometimes, consistency can be key to building an online identity that others can easily recognize and connect with.

7) Ignoring the ‘unwritten rules’

Each social media platform has its own set of unwritten rules, formed by the collective behavior and expectations of its users. Facebook is no different.

One of the biggest things that can make boomers seem out of touch on Facebook is simply ignoring these unwritten rules.

This includes things like overposting, tagging everyone in posts, or sending friend requests to people they barely know.

Understanding and respecting these norms can go a long way in improving your social media interactions and making them more enjoyable for everyone.

It’s all about being mindful of how your actions may be perceived by others and adapting accordingly.

Final thoughts: It’s all about understanding

At the heart of it all, the gap between boomers and younger generations on Facebook isn’t about right or wrong ways to use the platform. It’s simply a difference in understanding.

Every generation has its unique way of engaging with technology, shaped by the time and context they grew up in. Boomers were introduced to social media at a later stage in life, while younger people have grown up with it.

The key to bridging this divide lies in mutual understanding and respect. For boomers, it’s about learning the norms and etiquettes of the platform, and for younger users, it’s about having patience and offering guidance when needed.

After all, Facebook and other social media platforms are just tools for connection. And when used effectively, they can bring people together across generations, fostering meaningful relationships and shared experiences.

Let’s strive to use these digital spaces in ways that create more understanding, less division, and a better online experience for everyone.

Remember, we’re all learning as we go. Because in the grand scheme of things, we’re all just trying to navigate this digital world together.