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What is the Purpose of Facebook?
So this weekend, we were invited to a party of a co-worker while there the topic of Facebook came up. One of the guests, who shall remain nameless because she drives me crazy, said “I don’t understand Facebook. Why spend all your time updating your status instead of having a face-to-face conversation.” I was surprised since this individual has lived abroad most of her career. Here is what Facebook means to me…
Obvious: I have friends in many places. It is impossible for me to keep up with all of the face-to-face. FB allows me to stay connected.
Parental: For the kids, FB is a continuation of conversations and jokes going on at school. It allows me to eavesdrop into my teens lives without being “that Mom.”
Family: Much like the parental aspect, I can look into the lives of all my nieces and nephews. I see photos of them, their friends and their good times. It gives me the knowledge that they are happy and healthy.
Friends: I get to see babies, frustrations, hopes, dreams, families, fun and memories.
Sadness: I can read the obituaries, hear of the wedding and divorces, and feel the angst of work and life.
Football: I know who wins/loses and which team Eric is rooting for!
Remembering: My friends post the old photos of fun times and forgotten hairstyles.
Opinions: If I ask a question, I am sure to get answers from my FB friends. My questions have ranged from toenail color, to grad school questions, to electronic answers. My friends are very diverse and smart.
Shopping: Many of my friends sell their wares on FB. And I WANT one of those purses Wendy!
Educational: My friend, Marie, is always posting environmental, home school, and archeological articles. Yes, she is as eclectic as the day we met in Nature Camp some 30 years ago.
Philanthropic: I learn of causes through Ben who is always inviting me to some fundraiser even though I live 16,000 miles away. Also, JTE Creative is inspiring on the connecting non-profits with the famous. Of course, I cannot forget Warrior Angels fighting breast cancer – go Kris!!
Baking: Phil keeps me craving more with his recipes. While John’s reviews of Richmond restaurants makes me want to go on foodie tour of Virginia this summer.
Political: The list is endless here….
Travel: If it were not for FB, I would have never seen the Corn Palace. (Thanks Laura!)
Games: Well, that’s obvious.
The Bragging: I hear of the success stories of the kids. And, yes, Lynn you are leading in that. But you have tons to brag about.
The New: I have met new friends on FB. Most friends of friends, but I cherish them as if they have been part of my life always (Minnie and Liisa).
Loved ones: While away from each other, I can keep up with my husband, my sister and college friends.
So to better answer the original question, what is FB for? Why would you spend all your time updating your status rather than have a face-to-face conversation? The answer: Facebook does not replace the time you spend with your friends. It fills the gaps between visits to make it easier while you are apart.
My status for today: Filling the gaps until I see you again…
