What are Facebook users talking about the most? The social networking site has just listed the top status update trends of 2010. A status update is a sentence or blurb a Facebook user writes on his or her page. It often reflects a mood, reactions to news events, or recommendations on movies and television shows.
The status trend update does not include links, which is a separate category. A link would be any story, web article, or blog post that a user would post on their blog with or without comment. Status updates reflect common things people are worried about, thinking through, or discussing in some way. They offer a cultural snapshot of what's been popular in the last year, and what is on the mind of the average person.
Chilean Miners, iPad, iPhone, and Justin Bieber Top List of Most Discussed Topics on Facebook
The topics discussed most related to natural weather disasters and human interest stories. According to Mashable, some of the Facebook trends that also were also searched for on Google and discussed on Twitter in 2010 include the World Cup, the trapped Chilean miners, and the iPad. This eclectic list also includes references to pop culture, including movies, games, and several notes about Justin Bieber.
HMU Becomes Popular Facebook Status
Facebook is a site that combines people networking for business and personal reasons. That is confirmed with the emerging popularity of the "HMU" shorthand in 2010. HMU stands for "hit me up," which means someone is "ready to meet their friends," according to Facebook. The popularity of HMU shows an increasing trend of using social networking combined with texting to communicate with friends seen frequently, as opposed to those living farther away.
The Word Airplanes Was Seen on Several Facebook Pages
The topic of "airplanes" was also popular, not just because people were citing various news items, but also because of a reference to the song "Airplanes" by B.o.B., which has lyrics like:
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)
FarmVille Barn Raising a Popular Facebook Newsfeed Item
The popular FarmVille game also had Facebook users asking their friends for help and game-related items. The term "barn raising" was the most popular phrase in relation to games in general. A barn raising is done when a Facebook user places a notice on their status page, and gets ten friends to assist them within a three-day time frame.
It appears as if social networking games will remain popular as a way to connect with friends as well as spend some downtime. These trends also show that people are interested in connecting with their social group throughout the day as a way to unwind and share thoughts on things that are happening in the world.
Sources: Mashable, "Facebook Reveals Top Status Trends of 2010," (December 14, 2010), Facebook, "2010 Memology: Top Status Trends of the Year," (December 14, 2010).
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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