Facebook has many great ways to keep people updated on your account activity, especially if it is related to a specific person in some way. For example, if you post a photograph of someone, if you tag them the picture will show up on their Facebook profile as well. The beauty of tagging is that it helps people stay updated on information that is relevant to them without having to browse everyone’s photos and posts every day. Today the tagging feature is even better. Now, using the @mentions tagging feature, you can tag people in photos, videos and notes as well as in your status updates and wall postings. This enhances your ability to stay engaged, connected and updated.
The @mentions tagging feature is extremely simple to use and, if you are familiar with the feature in Twitter that does the same thing, then you already know how to use it.
To use the @mentions tagging feature, follow these steps:
1. Log into your Facebook account.
2. When you mention a name or event in your status, type the “@” symbol before the name.
3. Choose what you would like to reference from the drop down menu.
4. When finished, publish the post.
What are the benefits of the @mentions tagging feature? When you place the @symbol before a person’s name or an event, it doesn’t publish the symbol to your post; rather, tagging someone or an event creates a hyperlinked tag. Thus, when someone happens upon your status update, post or picture, they can click on the link and it will take them to the person’s profile or event page and give them more information on the person, place or event mentioned.
The person, page or event you tag will also receive a notification and a Wall post linking them to your post. In other words, if you tag it, it will be notified. This way nobody misses things that apply to them. Of course, if they do not want to be mentioned in your status, or do not want others to be able to connect to them through your posting, they have the ability to remove the tag from your post; this helps protect their privacy.
The great thing about the @mentions tagging feature is that, in theory, it means you no longer miss things that involve you. Status updates, and other wall posts become more meaningful because the people involved are hyperlinked. It is quick and easy to do. Additionally, it will help keep your postings and activity networked with your friends.