I know it’s sort of cliche (I don’t care if it is). And I know you might think it’s only for teenagers (it is not, AT ALL, in fact, most of them are onto the next thing already and I know plenty of Grandma’s who are on it). And I know it can be hurtful (but mostly, it’s not). But I’m just going to say it. I’m grateful for Facebook. If you’re on it, you are probably grateful for it, too. If you aren’t, hear me out (and stop laughing at me).
So, I thought it was dumb for a long time, but then I gave in and created a page. And suddenly, I had friend requests from all over the place. I re-connected with all sorts of people. People from high school I hadn’t seen in decades were suddenly my Facebook friends, and we caught up in newsy private messages, and then in our daily posts. There’s even a whole page devoted to people from my hometown. It’s just sort of fun to pop over there and see what’s going on. I also found People from college, people from old jobs, people from other countries. Suddenly, the “whatever happened to….” is a question no longer. There’s also a bunch of my family on Facebook. We’re pretty spread out, so it’s a great way to get to see what’s going on with everybody, view the latest vacation, baby, graduation, snowstorm, dance, or shit day. There are loads of people from school and town that are on Facebook, posting about their lives, reaching out while they’re working, or while they’re in line somewhere, or commuting on the train (or, yikes, while driving), posting photos of cool stuff they’re doing, or seeing, or part of, or things they support, or things they hate, or things that make them laugh, or questions they have, or breaking news.
Since I’m a freelancer and work from my home office (not to mention the kitchen, the den, or my bedroom–have computer, will travel), Facebook is a great diversion. When I’m writing or brainstorming, or doing concepts for a client, I sometimes just need an internet escape to keep me going. A quick check of Facebook can be just the thing. Post about your miserable day, and watch your Facebook friends rally around you. Announce your good fortune, and people from all over will tell you how happy they are for you. Ask where to stay in Belize, Paris, the moon, and gather intelligence from around the world. It’s easier than email, faster than snail mail, and you can reach and be reached by the masses in like 10 seconds. I give it to you Zuckerberg, you’re really a smart dude.
Facebook in the wrong hands, can be a nightmare. There are tales of bullying that have caused permanent damage. There’s the “everybody has a better life than I do” syndrome, and there are the homewrecker stories of Facebook affairs, but I have only experienced Facebook as the good witch. In fact, if you like this blog, you can thank Facebook, since it’s where this little baby was born.
Facebook friends can be your real friends, who you see on a regular basis, or strictly Facebook friends. You might never get together with a Facebook pal, but post something you’re unhappy about and they’re right there with support. Sometimes the two intersect, sometimes they don’t, but I love all my FB cohorts.
There are some people who post every five seconds, which I find annoying, or want you to play some dumb game, which I have no interest in. Some people drone on about topics that have no relevance for me, but mostly, I really like Facebook and accept it for what it is– a powerful platform, which can be used for good, and which allows people to connect any time of the day or night. And let’s face it, connecting with people, whether it’s electronically, or in real time, is good thing. A really good thing. If Facebook had a “love” button, instead of just a “like” button, I’d hit it.
*the gratitude-a-thon 