Social distortion?

How do I politely tell my Facebook friends that I am not interested in their political views? I am no longer going to my hairdresser because of his trashing of political candidates on Facebook.

It seems like most of these views should be kept private and especially for people looking for jobs or providing service. What do you think?

There is a new button on Facebook for this very issue. There is a tiny arrow on the top right of the post, click it and you will receive a drop-down menu. Click “Stop seeing posts but stay friends;” now you will no longer see their posts and you can go about your merry way! You’re not alone in your weariness over the constant flow of politics on Facebook. The most interesting thing I’ve learned from all the posts this year is that I have a diverse set of friends who have a wide range of viewpoints across the political spectrum, for which I am thankful because they’ve given me broad perspectives about many issues. But I’m also tired of all the anger that doesn’t seem to change anyone’s mind but only stresses me out if I pay enough attention to individual posts. Facebook, Twitter, etc., are certainly good at getting people fired up over the news of the day. But they also can be vehicles for learning new things. Take the good with the bad.

The best way to handle this is to scroll on by. Click on what interests you and ignore the rest, or “unfollow” the ones that annoy you the most on Facebook. By doing that you can still stay friends but not see their posts. If all the politics are bothering you, try not to engage on those posts. Focus on the issues —and the people —that matter to you and let the rest go. It is easier to get into arguments on Facebook, but they’re not as nuanced as a real conservation would be. Whether you are liberal, conservative, somewhere in between or just want us all to find common ground, you are likely to be met with someone shouting back at you. So tread gently.

Facebook is fun to keep up with friends’ children and to know what fun things they are doing.

Also, I have learned more about the government and history through Facebook and Twitter this year alone and have looked up information that I questioned.

But I don’t think that Facebook is the appropriate forum for politics, and simple statements can challenge some friendships. It does not seem like we can change other people’s views to our points of view by posting a comment. If you don’t want to see what others

Politics have invaded nearly all facets of American life. The past year is proof given the continuous coverage dominating the airwaves and headlines. The new year has not brought a respite. Political junkies may rejoice, yet most folks are tired of the deluge.

People, like your hairdresser, are of course entitled to opine their thoughts. It seems you are unhappy with your friends for their continued engagement and expression. Perhaps you don’t share the same point of view and don’t care to hear the other side. The reason isn’t important.

Facebook and the like are here to stay. There is no etiquette manual for social media. Rather than drafting an angry response or dropping friends all together, there is a simple solution. Go to their profile, click in the bottom right corner of their cover picture where is notes “following” and then select “unfollow.” They won’t know that you declined receiving their posts on your News Feed. This option allows you to stay in touch but out of touch with their political sentiments.

And, if you change your mind, you also can follow them again at any time. At some point, cute kid pictures and inane updates will be trendy again.