Whether online or off, “Single,” “Divorced” and “Widowed” have been the standard choices when describing personal relationships. Until now. Facebook recently unveiled two new relationship status options. Users in the United States, Canada, France, Australia and the United Kingdom can share their “In a Civil Union” and “In a Domestic Partnership” personal relationship status with FB friends and family.
Facebook Adds New Relationship Status
While Facebook did offer other relationship options including “In an Open Relationship” and “It’s Complicated,” gay rights advocates are applauding the social networking site's newest features. Facebook consulted with users and gay rights organizations including the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) prior to the move. According to a statement by GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios, “By acknowledging the relationships of countless loving and committed same-sex couples in the U.S. and abroad, Facebook has set a new standard of inclusion for social media.”
Although only a few states in America currently allow same-sex unions, the move by Facebook is seen as a positive step towards tolerance and acceptance of all people. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook currently has more than 600 million active users.
How to Edit or View Your Facebook Relationship Status
To change or view the different relationship status options, simply click the blue “Edit Profile” button located on the upper right-hand corner of your FB page. Click the “Featured People” link on the left side of the page. Scroll down the list in the “Relationship Status” box and save.
Network of Support Educational Initiative
In an effort to combat anti-gay cyberbullying and educate users, Facebook partnered with several national organizations last year in its Network of Support initiative.
- Facebook’s “Block” feature blocks users from viewing your profile or contacting you.
- In case of harassment, Facebook has “Report” links throughout the website.
- Users who view words or images that contain hate speech or violate Facebook’s terms of service are asked to “Flag” the comment or photo and report it as abusive. A monitoring team will review the reports.
- If you or someone you know has been bullied online, contact Facebook as soon as possible. Sadly, many cases of cyberbullying are not reported.
- The initiative also reminds users to think before posting. What may be considered a harmless joke by some, may be very hurtful to others.
And in more social media news, Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and other industry executives met with U.S. President Barack Obama during a technology summit last week in California.
Sources:
- GLAAD, “Facebook Adds Civil Union, Domestic Partnership Options of User Profiles.” February 17, 2011.
- Facebook, Network of Support. October 19, 2010.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
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