New Term: Face-baiting

Face-baiting v. The act of posting a vague status update for the purpose of eliciting a response, particularly when the topic wouldn't normally merit any comments. Examples:

Polly Anna: Wow! Just Wow! 4 hours ago

In this post, the author has experienced some sort of dramatic event, but rather than just say it, she's opted to tease her friends. Not knowing if it's good or bad, some will comment asking if everything's OK. When they find out that Polly's amazement was at the cost of Disneyland tickets, they're annoyed by the wasted time and needless concern.

H. Po-Condriac: this time I think it's real 2 min. ago via Facebook for iPhone

Here, our status posting friend has indicated that something quite grave is underway. What could "it" possibly be? The paucity of capital letters and punctuation suggest that whatever is in play here has ominous overtones. In reality, the poster has just been diagnosed with his first pre-cancerous skin lesion which will be removed on the spot with no lingering ill effects.

Astair Gazer: Our for drinks w/ @thewilson. You will NOT believe who we just saw! 17 min. ago via Twitware

Ooh! Ohh! Who did you see!? I'm on pins and needles just shivering with anticipation. Did <powerful politician> come shake your hand? Did <famous athlete> just compliment your awesome jersey? Perhaps <beloved rock star> high-fived you in admiration of your air-drum prowess. Alas. Gazer and @thewilson actually saw Soliel Moon Frye. You know. TV's lovable "Punky Brewster?" She's having a girls night out and some of these crazy ladies are on their second glasses of pinot. Sounds like her oldest is going into kindergarten already! Someone call TMZ!