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| Recent (and not so recent) photos on my timeline |
I checked my Facebook page this morning for the first time in three days and was struck by the life going on while I was away:
- A former co-worker was married this week on a beach in the Keys. (Like, Comment)
- A friend got away from it all in Jamaica. (Like, Jealous)
- A friend achieved a significant honor as a public speaker. (Like, Comment)
- A friend is turning 60 and has launched a new business. (Like, Comment)
- A friend who lives at the Jersey shore is enjoying winter on a Florida beach. (Like, Jealous)
- A friend is at Phillies Spring training. (Like)
- A former co-worker’s 19-year old sister has died. (Condolences Comment)
Before Facebook, many of these events would have occurred
outside of my sphere of awareness. (Most
notably the former co-workers’ life events.)
I’m guessing it’s the same for
you.
I have family members and friends who claim they have never
been on Facebook (and infer that they never will). They prefer real vs. virtual communications.
I agree that face-to-face and ear-to-ear communications are
superior experiences, but I can’t deny the pleasure of Facebook. It’s reality TV, but with people I know or
have known.
I’m not exactly a Facebook stalker (someone who reads but never
posts) but I admit that I am not sharing as much as most of the people I
follow. It’s not that my life is less interesting from the people I’m
following; I just don’t take the time to photograph and share.
But I am so glad that my family and friends are generous with their
moments. I smile almost
every time I open up my page.
And today, I was saddened too.
But happy or sad, I felt a connection to others.
And what's not to like about that?
And what's not to like about that?
Are you a Facebook fan or a Refusenik?
How often do you post on Facebook?
What kind of posts do you like/ not like?
Since joining FB,I've reconnected with people from HS and my old home town. Not to mention, I got to date my HS crush 47 years later! I enjoy learning about all the goings on" with dear friends and I try to share in return. I use Tumblr a lot now, but a day doesn't go by that I don't check FB. Good piece Chris. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCathy, You are my favorite FB poster. It's like having my personal culture vulture. Glad we are friends.
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ReplyDeleteChris, I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy keeping up with friends and family on FB. Especially love staying connected with my cousins and their children. I have to admit I resisted for a few years and thought it would be a waste of time I didn't have to spare. Glad my friends and family helped change my mind
ReplyDeleteCarol, I too am following people (like nieces and nephews) who I might see on the holidays but not too much in between. Watching their babies grow in photos is so much fun.
DeleteThanks, Chris! Send me a friend request. I have just started using FB more often. I don't have a long list of friends yet. But I try to post and to check in frequently. Like you and Carol, this is one of the best ways to keep up with my nieces and nephews and far-off friends.
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