Erin Colbert

Using Facebook Lists and Setting Privacy Rules

I’m always surprised when I talk to people about Facebook privacy rules and they tell me they don’t use friend lists to manage their connections. I often get requests from professional connections that I may not know that well in the real world. Some people choose not to accept those friend requests, but I’ve opted to accept some and set privacy rules for how they can interact with me and what they can see on my profile. 

For example, my professional contacts can only see my business email and phone number, while close friends and family have my personal number and address. So here’s a quick rundown on how to set up Facebook lists and set your privacy rules.

1. Create a List of Friends

Click on the “Friends” link under your profile photo, then choose “Edit Friends” in the top right corner. Click the “Create a List” button - pick a name for your list and the friends you want in the list. I’m super organized so I have a list for friends, friends of friends, friends from school, work, etc. Start by thinking about what information you’d want to share with groups of people and create groups based on those segments. 

2. Set Privacy Settings for Friend Lists

On your Account drop-down in the top right corner, select “Privacy Settings” and then “Customize Settings.” Facebook gives you the option to customize who can see and comment on things you share, things on your wall and things you’re tagged in. From my earlier example, this is where I can choose my “Address” and then make it visible only to my Family and Friends list. 

3. Keep it Updated

Yes, Facebook privacy rules are known to change over time so be sure to keep your lists up to date and review your settings every 3-6 months. I’ve made it a good practice to add friends to a list when I add them as a connection or accept a friend request. This way I don’t have to go back into my list settings every time I’ve got a new friend.

Photo credit: massimobarbieri