NEVER Tell Friends To Copy & Paste on FB. Here's Why!

When you’re on Facebook, it seems as if these posts that say “copy and paste" or the "hold your finger and forward" in Messenger are showing up more and more. 

In you ever see a "do not accept a friend request from this person" message, many on the receiving assume that it's legit, because a "friend" is telling you. Well, in THAT case, the source is probably from a fake account itself. Or an impersonation account. There might even be some shady embedded codes trying to get more of your personal information. Bottom line is, NEVER automatically follow those instructions just because you see it's from a friend. 

If you suspect something shady, do a little detective work. Easiest way for me is to go to the FACEBOOK "HACKED AND FACT ACCOUNTS" INFORMATION AND HOW TO REPORT PAGE. In other words, go directly to FB. Let THEM thoroughly investigate, and they'll let you know what they found. 

Now, let's move on to "copy and paste" for social causes and movements. If you think that’s annoying when you receive these, you’re not alone. Recent marketing research stats, show over HALF of all friends think that call to action message is a major put off. Here are some reasons why: 

• People are not being “real” by copy and pasting another’s ideas, especially if those close friends know they do not speak—or write—that way.

• “I’ll bet less than 100 people will do this.” Whatever “this” is. Many of your friends will wonder WHY you are seeking this kind of affirmation, and question motives. This kind of conditional friendship is a major turn-off. 

• Even your closest friends may just read a few sentences on these typically long posts, and skip down. toward the end to look for “copy and paste” and/or "hold your finger " instructions. Many readers will write off that message, and move on to the next item on the feed.

• You are getting on a soapbox when you are posting a “call to action.” Even if friends may agree on your post, remember they may not want to take this approach to a cause, or a belief.

• Your best friends may send you a private message calling you out on the practice. If they do, don’t be offended. They’re trying to help you see how those kinds of posts can be viewed in a less than positive way.

• Most of the “copy and paste” or "hold your finger" messages for "fake friend requests" (mentioned above) offend at least some of your friends. 

• Selfish copy and paste messages that say you are not a “true friend” unless you re-post is an invitation to lose some friends; even some you consider them to be close.

• It’s a text post, and usually a pretty long one. It can be political – but more than just an opinion. They may have instructions of how to call your local legislator, or maybe it’s just a blanket statement of judgement against anyone who disagrees.

• If you get TOO abusive with your opinions, Facebook will place you on probation.  And even those who followed your instructions to join your rant. This may get you friends placed in FB time out as well. Facebook's community standards are being heavily enforced these days.  

• The “copy and paste, don’t share” can be spam or worse-hiding malware. These people also know that Facebook’s news feed has an algorithm that would filter out a shared versus NEW posts.  The theory here is that a NEW text status, rather than a share of an existing one, will be shown more prominently.

OK, those are just a few of my observations. Call me weird, but I would  rather see a new puppy pic, your kids celebrating a birthday, or some neat sunsets.

What do YOU think?  Leave a comment or two below...but only if ya wanna!