Facebook: An Addiction or Simply a Means to Keeping in Contact with Friends

When I first signed up for Facebook it was with a great deal of reluctance. Many co-workers convinced me that Facebook was a much better option than MySpace, which was my site of choice. So I decided it could not hurt to give it a try and low and behold was I surprised. Now MySpace is a thing of my past and Facebook my present.

Within hours I had numerous "friend requests". Some of these requests came from old friends from high school, some from co-workers and some from people I did not even know. The great thing about Facebook that I soon discovered however is that you can set your profile to private. This simply means that people can see very limited information (generally just your picture) and to be able to delve any further into your profile you must accept them as a friend.

At first I was a bit overwhelmed but I soon began to realize that Facebook was quickly becoming a great way to reunite with those I had lost touch with or to stay in touch with those I have remained in contact with. Now many of my friends and I communicate through wall posts (everyone can see) or simply by sending messages via Facebook (this is between you and the recipient only). There is even a "chat" function, which is the same as using an instant messenger.

I have since had breakfast with a friend from high school I have lost touch with, learned about the families that many of my friends have since had, connected with family members from out-of-state, invited friends to events, and have had more personal contact with co-workers.

Now it would be a lie to say that Facebook is not addicting. When I first signed up I was constantly changing my "status" and checking for messages and wall posts. I even added the Facebook application to my phone so when someone sends me a message or a wall post I can see it....Now this might sound a bit ridiculous but considering the speed in which the world operates as a result of technology it is not all that insane.

There are many application features such as "pillow fights" and quizzes that can suck up all of one's time but if you limit your use to keeping in contact with friends and family then Facebook can be a useful and fantastic tool!