Facebook comments: lost in translation

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There is a definite down side to the communication that takes place on social media sites such as Facebook.  The missing link is body language.  No matter how hard we try in status updates or comments, sometimes our true meaning is lost.  Smiley faces aren’t always enough to convey whether we are being serious or not.  Just this morning I called a Facebook friend to apologize because they thought I was upset by my comment on their update.  Actually I was trying to funny along with them but it came across as me being upset and fighting back.  That was absolutely not my intent but that was how it was read.

So how do you remedy this situation if it happens to you?  The old fashioned way.  Pick up the phone and call them to apologize for the misunderstanding.  It’s the right thing to do.  You and I should also post an apology for the misunderstanding in the string of comments.

As much as you or I try to avoid these misunderstandings it will likely happen at some point.  There’s really no way to avoid it because of the lack of body language.  Communication is more than just words and there are certain aspects that Facebook, Twitter and no other site can make up for.  So if you’ve mistakenly upset someone, then call them today.  Set things right while there’s still time.