If you’ve been on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, you’ve likely seen this scenario: someone tags you in a group or sends a message asking you to “check your inbox.” While this might seem harmless, it’s something I’ve addressed countless times in my own Facebook group and other communities. Since those posts inevitably get buried in feeds, I decided to write this so I can easily link back to it whenever the issue arises. Here’s the full explanation:
Why I Avoid Private Messages for Questions
This might sound harsh, but I really don’t understand why some people feel the need to send private messages for questions. Are they embarrassed by the question? Let me assure you, there are no dumb questions. In a group setting like Facebook, asking your question publicly benefits everyone—not just you. Others may have the same question, and the answers can create a valuable resource for the community.
I consider Facebook Messenger a space reserved for friends and family, not for answering endless questions from strangers. Having to scroll through messages from unfamiliar people just to find conversations with my loved ones is frustrating. Plus, most of the questions I receive in private have already been addressed—either in a YouTube video I’ve created or on my website.
Why You Might Not Get a Response
Do I respond to questions on social platforms? Occasionally, yes. But did I see your message? Probably not. Facebook’s interface is unreliable, and messages often don’t show up—not even in the spam folder. So, if you sent me a message and didn’t get a reply, chances are I never saw it.
The Problem With Facebook Groups
Facebook groups, while popular, have significant downsides:
- Poor Search Functionality: Finding a specific topic within a group is a nightmare. Facebook’s search tools are clunky and often ineffective.
- Lack of Organization: Threads are difficult to organize, making it hard to keep track of valuable discussions.
- Limited Accessibility: Most groups are private, meaning you can’t find their content through an internet search. Good luck “Googling” a solution and landing in a Facebook group.
Additionally, Facebook groups are plagued with keyboard warriors and trolls. The level of disrespect and negativity seems to be worse here than on any other platform, which is another reason I’ve started shifting away from them.
Why Forums Are Better
This is why I’m bringing back forums. Unlike Facebook groups, forums offer numerous advantages:
- Better Search Tools: Forums are designed to make finding information easier.
- Superior Organization: Topics and threads can be neatly categorized, making it simple to navigate.
- Public Accessibility: Forums aren’t hidden behind privacy walls, so anyone can search for a topic on Google and find solutions that lead back to the forum.
Facebook’s decline is another reason to reconsider relying on its groups. The platform has been losing users steadily, dropping from 208 million monthly active U.S. users in May 2021 to just 161.4 million in April 2024. Year-over-year, Facebook’s monthly active users are down by 2.2%, and the trend shows no signs of reversing.
Remember Yahoo Groups? They were immensely popular until they weren’t. I believe Facebook groups will follow the same path. Forums, on the other hand, are a tried-and-true method for building lasting communities.
How to Connect With Me
If you want to interact with me or ask questions, the best place to do so is in the forums. Forums provide a more efficient and respectful way to engage, share knowledge, and build a community. So, next time you have a question, skip the private message and join the discussion in the forum. You’ll not only get the answers you need but also help others in the process.
To learn more about why forums are making a comeback and why Facebook’s decline is inevitable, check out this post: We’re Watching Facebook Die.
Can you tell how much I dislike Facebook? 😉
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