The F.A.C.E. of Social Media: Masks Off!

I get asked often how I can trust, follow or call anyone my "friend" when I haven't met them face-to-face. I have a two-fold answer.

First, I've been building online communities and conversations for a long time (over a decade), so experience is on my side. Moreover though, it is the Frequent And Consistent Expression of people I meet in the online conversation space that builds trust (or not).

Really, online behavior patterns aren't so different than offline ones.  Human beings are human beings.

You've probably heard of, maybe even met those folks who fit the phrase, "Sunday Morning Christian." The term came about for those who put on a good "face" during services, but revert to their normal persona once that hour or two is complete.

Who's going to build a foundational trust – or at least show true colors more often? The one who engages on occasion, or the one who puts themselves "out there" in a frequent, consistent manner?

We have moved past the Internet age of having screen names (No More SnookyOokums46) and masks. Be your authentic self. Watch for the Frequent And Consistent Expression (F.A.C.E.) in the conversation patterns of those you meet online. The truth will always bubble up over time.