PBJ list is a feature on Facebook that allows users to create a private list of their close friends and family members. PBJ stands for “People You Can’t Live Without” or “Favorite People.” It is designed to make it easier to share personal updates with your inner circle without broadcasting them to all your Facebook friends.
What is a PBJ list?
A PBJ list on Facebook is a custom friend list that contains your closest friends and family members. You can add up to 50 people to your PBJ list.
When you post something on Facebook, you have the option to share it with your entire friends list, a customized list like your PBJ, or only with certain individuals. The PBJ list allows you to easily share personal updates just with those closest to you.
Key Features of a PBJ List
- Contains up to 50 of your closest friends and family
- Lets you easily share posts just with your PBJ connections
- Is private – only you can see who is on the list
- Members do not know they are on your PBJ list
- You can add or remove people at any time
Why Create a PBJ List on Facebook?
There are a few key reasons people create PBJ lists on Facebook:
Share Personal Updates Selectively
The main purpose of a PBJ list is to allow you to share personal, intimate updates just with your closest inner circle rather than all your Facebook friends. It lets you be selective about who sees your most personal posts.
Avoid Oversharing with Acquaintances
Most people on Facebook have a wide network that includes close friends as well as old classmates, distant relatives, coworkers and other acquaintances. A PBJ list prevents you from oversharing personal information with casual acquaintances.
Create a Close Community
A PBJ list helps foster an intimate community of your nearest and dearest friends and family. It strengthens connections with those closest to you.
Control Privacy
Using a PBJ list allows greater control over your privacy settings. You can limit personal posts to the people you trust most. This helps you share freely while maintaining privacy.
How to Create a PBJ List on Facebook
Creating a private PBJ list on Facebook only takes a few minutes. Just follow these steps:
- Go to your Facebook profile page and click on “Friends” in the left sidebar.
- In the left column, click on “Create List.”
- Give your new list a name. Many people use “PBJ”, “Favorites” or “Close Friends.”
- Start typing in the names of the friends you want to add to this inner circle list.
- Once you’ve added up to 50 friends, click “Create” at the bottom.
That’s it! Now you have a new custom PBJ list on Facebook ready to use. You can return to the list anytime to add or remove friends.
How to Use Your PBJ List
After creating your private PBJ list, use these steps to share posts:
- When writing a new Facebook post, click on the audience selector that likely says “Friends.”
- Change the audience to your new PBJ list instead of Friends.
- Click “Post” to share the update just with your PBJ.
Your PBJ friends will now be the only ones who can view that post.
Who to Add to Your PBJ List
When creating a PBJ list, most people add their closest friends and family members. This typically includes:
- Immediate family
- Spouse or partner
- Best friends
- Close friends from childhood or college
- Any friends you interact with regularly
Think of your PBJ as your inner circle or VIP list. These are the people who know you best and with whom you share the closest connection.
Criteria for PBJ List Members
Consider the following criteria when adding friends to your People You Can’t Live Without list:
- Known this person for years
- Talk or text on a regular basis
- Get together frequently in person
- Trust this person implicitly
- Shared many life experiences together
- Feel completely comfortable around this person
Use your best judgment when creating your PBJ list. Think about who your nearest and dearest confidants are in life and add those people on Facebook.
PBJ List vs Close Friends List
Facebook offers both the ability to create a Close Friends list as well as a custom PBJ list. What is the difference between these two options?
PBJ List
- Called “People You Can’t Live Without”
- Private list only visible to you
- Can contain up to 50 people
- You manually build your PBJ list
- Longtime, closest friends and family
Close Friends List
- Called “Close Friends”
- Visible to you and list members
- Algorithm-based suggested list
- Based on Facebook interactions
- May include newer friends
While there is overlap, the two lists are different. Your customized PBJ list requires manually picking your 50 closest connections. The Close Friends list is maintained by Facebook’s algorithm and may not match your exact preferences.
Pros and Cons of PBJ Lists
PBJ lists offer certain benefits, but also some potential downsides to consider.
Advantages of PBJ Lists
- Greater privacy and control over sharing
- Cultivate closer connections with inner circle
- Avoid oversharing personal details broadly
- Strengthen bonds with those who matter most
- Foster a small community of confidants
Disadvantages of PBJ Lists
- Time-consuming to manually build and maintain list
- People may feel hurt if excluded from the list
- Mismatch between your list and Facebook’s suggested Close Friends
- Need to remember to change audience when posting
- Close friends outside of Facebook network can’t be included
Overall, PBJ lists give users much more control over their privacy settings and content sharing on Facebook. But they do require effort to maintain and may cause hurt feelings if not managed carefully.
Best Practices for Using a PBJ List
To get the most benefit from a PBJ list and avoid potential pitfalls, keep these tips in mind:
- Add people gradually – Build your list slowly over time vs. all at once.
- Use lists consistently – Remember to switch audience to PBJ for personal posts.
- Remove inactive connections – Take people off the list if you are no longer close.
- Avoid publicly posting about the list – Don’t share who is on your PBJ list.
- Sync with Close Friends if needed – Compare Facebook’s list with your own.
- Communicate with discretion – Speak privately if taking someone off the list.
Following best practices for PBJ lists will help you gain the benefits while reducing the risks of these selective Facebook friend lists.
Mistakes to Avoid with PBJ Lists
Using a PBJ list comes with some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Adding too many people and defeating the purpose
- Forgetting to change audience before sharing personal posts
- Assuming people know they are on your PBJ list
- Not updating the list as friendships change over time
- Publicly posting details about your list membership
- Deleting people without communicating with them first
Avoid these errors by careful list management, discretion when sharing details, and regular maintenance of your People You Can’t Live Without connections.
Conclusion
A PBJ list on Facebook offers an easy way to share personal updates just with your closest inner circle. It helps maintain privacy and strengthen bonds with the important people in your life. Build your PBJ gradually, use it consistently, and manage it with care over time. This curated list can become a valuable way to connect with your nearest and dearest friends and family.
