topic Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please... in Community Chat

Another Facebook question - for users only please...

madzonie — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:06:47 GMT

If a Facebook friend (in this case also a friend in real life) posts an article or link about a story that has been proven to be false, would you call them on it? If so, in public so others can see? Or via pm?

This happens over and over and over with this same friend. We are on opposite sides of the political divide, so it almost feels like if I do say something, I'm "challenging" their beliefs or views.

In this particular case, I've decided to do nothing. But I'm just curious as to how others deal with issues like this.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

tedEbear — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:10:00 GMT

@madzonie-------I have several close friends and even family members that do this. I ignore the posting, I love these people.----------tedEbear

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

Zhills — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:10:20 GMT

I think you made a wise decision!

Usually those posts were sent to the FB friend and they just share the post because they don't know what else to do with them.

I would ignore them or put them on "Restricted."

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

shell garden — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:15:37 GMT

Let someone else call them out on it and just sit back. If no one does step up, ask yourself is it really worth the time and effort. If it is, point out you read something different and give a source so they are able to read it too. If it isn't important to you, just ignore or change the subject!

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

Allegheny — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:13:58 GMT

I would PM them. I would only do so in an act of kindness to prevent them from embarrassing themselves by spreading incorrect or inaccurate information.

That being said, if this is something my friend did all the time and it has been brought to their attention, then I would assume they don't care and like you on this occasion, I would let it go.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

kdgn — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:20:22 GMT

@madzonie wrote:
If a Facebook friend (in this case also a friend in real life) posts an article or link about a story that has been proven to be false, would you call them on it? If so, in public so others can see? Or via pm?

This happens over and over and over with this same friend. We are on opposite sides of the political divide, so it almost feels like if I do say something, I'm "challenging" their beliefs or views.

In this particular case, I've decided to do nothing. But I'm just curious as to how others deal with issues like this.

I have a SIL who has done this in the past-posted something that was proven to be false. I emailed her, told her what was found, included the link, etc. I was ignored and the post remained.

When a couple of friends have done the same thing I've posted back that the information given is not factual and provided the information. They argued. That's when I decided to rarely challenge anything posted. They have no desire to have something they actually agree shown to be false.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

GCR18 — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:24:10 GMT

If it bothered me that much, I'd talk with them in person. I'd never do it on Facebook, but that's just me. If they denied it or ignored it, I'd never mention it again. At that point the decision is can I be friends with them or not.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

Moonchilde — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:32:52 GMT

If it's political I never say a word. The unwritten rule on FB is do not challenge the veracity of what people post on their own page or their POV in a negative way. No one will appreciate it.

If it's non-political "in-the-news"/urban legend style of stuff, you can post a Snopes "not true" link on their timeline; I have seen friends do that with their friends.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

esmeraldagooch — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:34:39 GMT

Depends on what it is. The post saying MZ was giving millions to facebook users if you share the post, I have posted the snopes link saying it was false. The BillGates giving away money went around forever too.l Hate that.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

esmeraldagooch — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:36:28 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
If it's political I never say a word. The unwritten rule on FB is do not challenge the veracity of what people post on their own page or their POV in a negative way. No one will appreciate it.

If it's non-political "in-the-news"/urband legend style of stuff, you can post a Snopes "not true" link on their timeline; I have seen friends do that with their friends.

Funny I haven't heard it was taboo....

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

nunya — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:38:10 GMT

Depends what it is. I saw a post that was a woman shaking hands with a not so liked man...I said " that photo is a photoshop contest winner from so and so "

they looked it up and oh my...I had no idea.

I think people share things without even knowing the truth.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

Jacie — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:38:57 GMT

I'd ignore it. Unless, of course, you really want to stir it up! NOT!

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

Q4u — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:43:38 GMT

I would never call out a friend in public, in any arena if they've made an error in facts. I would however provide privately the facts I have from known, reliable sources to prove it to them. Not as an argument.... not even an opposing opinion but indesputible FACTS concerning the subject. If I don't have indesputible facts and only opinions then I DO NOT interfere.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

jonbon — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:54:31 GMT

I will admit that I occasionally respond to one of those photo-type postings (usually from a conservative website, if you get my drift) with a Snopes link refuting what it supposedly shows, with no other comment. Just to set the record straight . . .

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

INDIANA BONES — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 22:50:21 GMT

I think you must be a very kind friend. If you have personal contact with a person, I think any discussion should be done in private. If not, I would skip over the statement and appear as if I had not read it. Just my opinion and you have such that are great here.

HAPPY 2016!!

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

Wsmom — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:00:23 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
If it's political I never say a word. The unwritten rule on FB is do not challenge the veracity of what people post on their own page or their POV in a negative way. No one will appreciate it.

If it's non-political "in-the-news"/urband legend style of stuff, you can post a Snopes "not true" link on their timeline; I have seen friends do that with their friends.

I agree with this. Also, if you post that it's not true and your reasoning, even though your friend may sit back and say ok, others might engage and it can turn into quite a debate...so if you enjoy that kind of thing, that's one thing; if not, they can get pretty nasty...regarding the political stuff.

With the non-political/urband legend stuff, I also have seen friends post the snopes links and never seen anybody have a problem with it.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

sunshine45 — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:03:15 GMT

maybe i am the only one.......but if it is something that can be found on snopes or a reliable new source then i post the direct link to the snopes article in the comments. sometimes they remove the post, sometimes they will say something like "oops" and allow it to stand, and others have said they are "just being hopeful." recently there has been a rash of postings regarding mark zuckerberg giving away millions of dollars to people on facebook. everyone and their mother has been spreading that link, but it is false. as far as i know i have not lost any friends from posting a link.

now, if it is something directly political and can be found on the "slanted news sites" then i just read it, laugh, and move on.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

mima — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:06:58 GMT

I just post that I checked with Snopes dot com and it is untrue. I don't care if I call them out on it or not. I don't think untrue stuff should go on like it is true. Then I suggest to everyone that if in doubt, "check Snopes".

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

Moonchilde — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:27:56 GMT

@esmeraldagooch wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
If it's political I never say a word. The unwritten rule on FB is do not challenge the veracity of what people post on their own page or their POV in a negative way. No one will appreciate it.

If it's non-political "in-the-news"/urband legend style of stuff, you can post a Snopes "not true" link on their timeline; I have seen friends do that with their friends.
Funny I haven't heard it was taboo....

It's considered not good manners. Do away, but not everybody gonna be happy. And some may tell you so, or unfriend you. Just sayin'. But each person presumably "knows" their "friends" so YMMV. Of course as with anything, it depends on *how* it's said.

Re: Another Facebook question - for users only please...

NickNack — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:31:36 GMT

I had a friend recently post something that wasn't true. I posted the Snopes link, and they thanked me and removed the post. If it had been political I wouldn't have said anything.

I've had several friends on Facebook recently that I've "unfollowed" due to their constantly posting their political views. I don't mind people with different political views than mine, but daily rantings get to be a bit much. You can unfollow them but remain friends, and they'll never know you've done it.