Last night I was in a social setting with lots of conversations swirling all around me. I overheard someone say that their husband had congratulated them for staying out of the mess that is Facebook. She said he lamented the things he saw each morning when he opened up his computer and checked what was being said on Facebook.
I said nothing, I am trying to be better about keeping my opinions to myself, it seems the prudent thing to do lately. Of course, then I get to my computer and write my thoughts down for all the world to see!
I have to say I have two opinions on the Facebook topic.
One- if you don’t like it, stay off of it. It is kind of what I feel about movies, TV shows, plays, etc that don’t match someone’s sensibilities- don’t watch them!
My second opinion on Facebook is longer and will probably not be popular. That is OK.
I like Facebook. I think it is pretty great in lots of ways. Now, I know there are negatives and that people say awful things. My son just began a new radio show and some of the things people have said on Facebook and Twitter (before his show ever even started, I might add) was not what a mom wants to see people say about her baby boy. (Keep in mind, everyone is someone’s baby boy or girl!)
I like social media anyway. Without Facebook and Twitter my blog would be a personal diary. Without Facebook, my column for BroadwayWorld.com would have very few readers. Without Facebook, the fundraiser I just helped with would not have been as successful.
But it goes much deeper than that. I like to see what other people are saying and thinking. Yes, sometimes it is annoying and yes, lots of times it is way different from what I am thinking about a subject. But I don’t want my head stuck in the sand. I want to know what other people think about things, even if it is unusual. Especially if it is unusual! Thoughts other than mine are interesting and I will think about an odd opinion for days.
So many of the kids I went to school with a few years ago have gone off for great adventures all over the world. One is an international flight attendant, another is teaching English in foreign lands, some went to Chicago, many others are in New York City. Being able to keep up with them and know they are doing well and succeeding makes me very happy. With no Facebook I would have no clue what they are up to.
Maybe people share too much on Facebook. I personally am all about sharing. Although I don’t care so much about what you had for lunch, I have seen some food from restaurants I want to go try from my friends on Facebook.
When a friend is down or has something bad happen, I like being able to send a private message to them (and a prayer out on their behalf.) If a friend has something amazing happen, I want to say congratulations! These are things that a casual friend or acquaintance isn’t going to call you up and tell you about. Putting it out to everyone on Facebook seems more natural and acceptable.
I have seen posts of inspiration from friends and even from my minister. It is a great way to start the day. And the birthday wishes that are posted on Facebook or said to me personally because Facebook reminded people makes the day better. I love knowing when different folks from church, work or school have birthdays! I could never keep up with all of them without Facebook.
I think if Facebook is used the right way (which as humans, we aren’t always going to do!) it makes our lives more connected, keeps us inspired, keeps us informed and keeps us looking out for each other from any distance.
My comment to this person who was proud of not being on Facebook would be that maybe you aren’t seeing as much political rhetoric as those of us on Facebook, but there is something to be said for that great big world out there staying in touch and communicating with each other.
