1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Wanda Sykes doesn't do Facebook. The idea of social networking with people through telecommunication doesn't appeal to her. She doesn't collect followers or "friends" through websites either. She even referred to them as *fantasy friends* on the Jay Leno show during a recent November episode. Fred Noname has issues with Facebook too. He's tried it, but the idea of people being able to invade your wall space and challenge you about your personal beliefs isn't worth the few vague comments of appreciation to him. Now, after more than a year, he's opting out, but not before giving his true internet friends a chance to exchange personal emails to keep in touch.

What is it about Facebook and all these social networking sites anyway? Do people need to feel important by collecting hundreds of friends and followers? Is it wise to share intimate details of yourself with complete strangers that you get to know through a few passing letters typed strategically on the keyboard of your computer? Do you really want some of those judgmental family members having access to more information they can twist and use against you?

Perhaps the key is in the brand name. Facebook is the internet face you share with the world. It is not a place to reveal the skeletons in your closet, or psychoanalyze your Great Aunt Evelyn and determine why she was the real screw up in the family. Nor is Facebook a place to do your laundry or cook your dinner. Isn't that why you pay so much for the fancy home you live in, to have a spacious laundry room and beautiful island in your kitchen?

Facebook is a place to network and cautiously socialize with others. You can share your work there, and even allow strangers to get a small glimpse of your real personality, but when it all comes down to it, the face you present on Facebook may not even be close to the real you physical friends and family have come to know and love. Oh, there may be a bit of a resemblance, but the reality is that Facebook is your public face for the entire world to see.

Keeping things in perspective if you participate on Facebook is vitally important. You can't have sex on the internet, not real sex anyway. Oh, you can engage in all sorts of activities around it, but in the end, you really haven't connected and bonded with anyone. You can't get drunk at a party on the internet either. You can have a few drinks at home and spew some damaging content on it, but in the end, you can't blame the internet for getting you drunk and sloppy. Nor can you raise your kids on Facebook. That's not to say that some or your hundred's of friends won't give you helpful advice if you ask them for it. It does mean that without true personal contact and conversation, you may as well hand your kids over to the state and opt out of parenting altogether.

To do or not to do Facebook is a personal choice and preference. It is one more way to promote yourself, not be yourself. There's a big difference between the two. Facebook is a tool that can help you have greater financial success, release tension, learn a few things, and interact with others through a computer screen. It should never be used as a replacement for living in the real world, and if that's a temptation you can't seem to conquer, it's probably better not to do Facebook at all.

Learn more about this author, M. J. Joachim.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about To do or not to do Facebook?
We want to hear your view. Write now!