Yes, there is the “look at me” aspect that some people use it for (there are folks I know on there with 1000 friends…now, come on!).
However, it does serve a useful purpose also. When something big happens in my life or a friend’s life, we can keep each other abreast of the latest. No, it doesn’t replace face-to-face contact (we’ll surely discuss it anyway next time we talk in person) but at least they don’t have to wait to find out – they know immediately.
I have also regained contact with many high school and college friends that I haven’t heard from in years…that alone is worth putting up the facebook profile, in my mind. I had no idea where these people had moved or what they were up to, but thanks to the magic of facebook I now know (classmates.com and mylife.com suck, by the way).
I have also found out things about friends via facebook that I would never have figured out otherwise….viewing their profile has revealed some interesting tidbits! Also, the photos give me a glimpse into what they hold dearest in their lives. Note many profile pics for women are of them *and* someone else (hubby/friend/kid) while most profile pics of men are of them and (if anything else is in the pic at all) maybe their motorcycle/boat/car. Interesting…
No, I don’t go posting that I’m going to be on vacation two weeks starting today, but it does fill a nice role and will be around for awhile…though I do suspect it will die down a bit and facebook may not be the final form it takes…facebook may become a has-been like myspace, friendster, and whatever the predecessors were called (see? I can’t even remember!).
Blogging? That’s a whole different topic and people do it for entirely different reasons.[/quote]
I too was a little doubtful and didn’t think facebook was worth the time. The people I had forgotten about that I have reconnected with have made it worth my time. It is fun to see how we have all changed and now keep up with each other. You don’t have to put your profile out to the public. Only if you want to. If you don’t, then only people that are your friends can see what you are doing..
I just went back home to visit family, and announced I was in town on my facebook and that I was going out.. a whole bunch of people that I haven’t seen in a long time showed up, it was a blast! I already knew that they had kids, that they a parent was having health problems, their kid is starting football, etc. !
