Much has been written about the evil addiction that is Face Book. All you have to do is google 'Facebook evil' to find articles about how bad the social networking scene is. These articles range from incoherent rants to angry diatribes to thought-provoking essays. Then of course, within the past six months, there has been great controversy over FB owning rights to content even after accounts are canceled. Luckily, that concept provoked such a big backlash, that FB backed off.
I'm not here to argue the technical aspects of the FB/MS phenomenon. And although I wouldn't mind being the billionaire inventor of FB, I'm not going to address the business side of it either. As a student of human behavior, I'm fascinated by how it works from a sociological standpoint.
I'll admit it. I have a FB account which I really enjoy. Along with about 175 million other people. Through my account, I have been able to re-connect with college friends and former students. FB also lets me keep tabs on current friends and family; some who live in town and others who live all over the world. Status messages are quicker than e-mail, and easy to check. The site is blocked at work, which is ok with me because I'm usually too busy to deal with personal stuff on the agency timecard.
So is it evil? Some have described it as a 'social virus' which replicates in an out-of-control manner. Others are all into the 'how many people can I friend' thing. Still others have replaced regular social contact with daily FB contact. I'm of the opinion that sites like MySpace and Facebook are fine in moderation. . .they allow the users to connect via cyberspace with current friends, acquaintances, long-lost friends and family. As long as one does not rely on FB and MS as their only social outlet, and spend hours a day on it, it can be a good thing. For some people though, it can be a problem.
I liken FB to that other potential addiction: World of Warcraft. There was a time when I spent good chunks of time each day playing the online game. I met all kinds of interesting people and had lots of fun fighting monsters alongside my guildies. Real life concerns kept me in balance with my online play time. . .preventing me from playing all day long. However, I know people who literally play WoW every waking moment of their lives. . .when they are not working and some people play even at work. They are very hardcore about their commitment to the game, and even eat meals in front of their computers whilst playing simultaneously.
There is a side of FB which can be like that. I have noticed that some people pour their whole lives into their status messages: i.e. 'I just put on my socks', or 'my car won't start'. Others, like me, play Mafia Wars and other FB games throughout the day and into the night. Still others add just about every app that passes their way. . .answering 50 questions or listing their favorite movies or posting what kind of animal they would be.
Without real f to f contact or phone contact, FB can actually be rather shallow. . .lacking the depth necessary for even a longer, more thoughtful email. On the other hand, the brevity of FB might just be indicative of the multi-tasking which pervades in our current culture. For example, last night I was sitting in front of the TV with my laptop in my lap. While watching a dvr'd Supernatural, I was chatting with my sister's niece, playing Mafia Wars, and giving attention to Bonkers the cat (who insists on monitoring my internet use from the arm of the chair), and talking with my housemate (who was texting with his gf on his IPod).
Whew! No wonder FB can often be short and shallow. Between keeping up with multiple tasks, 597 friends, and keeping a steady stream of tweeting (another time for that one), there are not enough hours in the day to go into more depth and still have a life.
And yet. . . .
All those apps can be fun. (although I pick and choose very few of them.) Seeing pics of former youth and their families is actually kind of thrilling. How often do we get to pick up with someone, 20 years later? Putting out a hit on another mafia boss, who just robbed your casino, is very satisfying after a day spent at work. Coming up with a few pithy status messages can challenge one's creativity. Reading others' messages and commenting on them provide a connection.
Ok, so bottom line for me is that I like FB and think it is fun. From the ubiquitous status messages to the chat to the apps to the games, it is a great social outlet. Reaching out to the larger electronic village is a given in the 21st century. Is it evil? Of course it is. Just remember to turn the computer off on a regular basis, and go out to a movie with your friends. You'll be glad you did.

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