Why do some people hide their political views on Facebook?

[baxterville]

A lot of us are reluctant to alienate people we value who might not think it's okay to have friends with differing political views. I had a friend of 15 years terminate contact with me when she found out how radically different from hers my views are. They've always been that different and we mostly managed to avoid political discussions. And in groups, I sort of sat back and listened, but kept to myself because I've seen how knee-jerk some people can be about other views. I never minded that her views are almost comical to me, but she seems to actually hate me for mine (and, ironically, believes that people with my views are hateful and judgmental).

Facebook is a great place for lots of people to reconnect with friends and relatives we otherwise wouldn't have contact with, so tons of us have chosen to keep our profiles un-controversial. I've got a blog for my political stuff and my Facebook friends have no idea. I like getting to know cousins I haven't seen in decades and seeing pictures of their kids and all, but I know some of them would cut ties with me over politics. It just isn't worth the estrangement.