How many times have you noticed someone “vaguebooking” on Facebook? Has it ever been your adolescent?
Those vague posts are often more likely to be angry than happy.
Is it useful? Not really. Many times when people post vague messages they are looking for attention, or feedback and seeking it from *everyone* rather than someone specific they can trust.
Having trusted people in your in-person social network is crucial to mental health. Facebook and other social media accounts like instagram, snapchat, vine, periscope, and twitter (are there others that you know of? Tell us about them in the comments!) are great tools for staying connected with people. But not a great way to connect deeply with people. If you notice that your adolescent is posting these angry/vague posts remind them in person if possible that if they are angry or struggling with something or someone they can talk to a trusted adult, a close trusted friend, or their therapist about what is happening. Also it is more useful to text or send an online private message if they really don’t want to talk in person.
Sometimes just talking out loud about a problem to a kind ear can help them sort out an issue on their own. Remember that if they come to you with their issue that they may not be looking for you to *fix* it, but to simply listen and be present with them.
Tell us about any new social media outlets! Have you been “guilty” of “vaguebooking” while angry or upset? How about your adolescent? What was the result?
