Facebook Junkies Anonymous
By albertsj
Those of us who have joined the facebook crowd, are we that addicted?
I first joined Facebook, reluctantly, only about 2 years ago. I wouldn't for years, even though, everyone and their aunt, were encouraging me to do so. Even my parents belonged. (very out of character for my father) Somehow, I felt it would be an invasion of privacy.
Then one day I just woke up and joined. I guess I started to feel like I was missing something. After I first joined I found everyone, first from my old high school "friend requested" me. Both old friends, and people who I never shared even one word with. People who I had to ask how I knew them. Then after I began accepting these unknown "friend requests", I found that, not only didn't we communicate, but most of my old friends I have never facebook communicated with. It's strange but everyone is just trying to get their number of facebook friends up! Well, no longer do I accept these "friend requests" from those who weren't even my friends. And I even deleted the ones who's requests, I had initially accepted.
When I first joined I began to get the gist of things, saw how many would post throughout the day about absolutely everything. About their kids, their pets, their moods. Sometimes comical things, sometimes , serious. Usually trivial stuff. And you know what? We all cared! Someone would be in the waiting room of their dentists office, and post it on facebook! Really??? Why do we need to know about everything we're all doing every minute, of the day? The worst part was that, I, in a lesser way, was doing it too! I'd get home from work, and immediately sign on, looking to see, if anyone had commented on, or "liked" any of my posts, and to see if anyone had posted anything, that I could comment on. Had I become a facebook junkie? Well, since then I've weaned myself down. I now go on every now and then. Or post one of my blogs. (Maybe I'll post this one. Maybe)
Through facebook I have reconnected with a few good friends, that I have been in touch with, sporadically. But the overwhelming majority, of "facebook friends" that either I "friend requested", or who "friend requested" me, we've never, ever communicated through facebook. I guess I get the social, or networking, or even the advertising part of it, but the whole thing seems strange. We've become more, and more virtual, and actually see each other less and less...sort of. And it really isn't an invasion of privacy, like I'd anticipated, because you can share whatever you want, be facebook friends with who you choose. You don't have to accept a friend request. If someone sends you a message, asking you questions about parts of your life, that you don't want to share, you don't have to reply. (Oh, really? I'm sorry, I never did get your message...) You can even turn off your IM.
Okay, well, I'm having withdrawal symptoms, so I'll need to go sign on to facebook....; )
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Comments
Although I am selective about the people I friend on Facebook (only friending people I know), if one is trying to make money using HubPages or other Internet activities, having a lot of Facebook friends to share Hubs and other online work with is helpful towards that goal.
Hey Mr Happy,
I know, I'm with you. Like; really 800 friends??? And all of them you frequently communicate with?? I always feel like saying that to them.
I only have like 145, and I've deleted a bunch that friend requested me, who I honestly, wouldn't know if I tripped over. I've decided I don't need friends who were never friends, just to get my FB # high. What purpose does it serve? In what way does it affect my life? Just to appear "popular" to fellow, FB junkies?
So what? You know? : )
Again thanks for your comment. : )
"After I first joined I found everyone, first from my old high school "friend requested" me. Both old friends, and people who I never shared even one word with." LOL That's everyone's story ... rofl
I am on Facebook too but there is no photo of me and my name is Johannes di Silentio. Even if one went to search for that name, my profile would not show-up because I have put-up my security settings on the high-tone (lol).
I have seventy-one friends and I know who they are. No grade-two friends whom I have never even spoken in grade two with ... what would be the point, really? (lol) I know people with eight-hundred friends or more ... it's ridiculous in my opinion but hey, whatever rocks one's boat ...
Thanks for the read, 'twas fun! All the best.
OMG, thank you so much Spirit Whisperer. Yeah, call Facebook tha more fashionable addiction today. : )
I like your style of writing and having just finished reading and commenting on your "Functioning Alcoholic" hub I was not disappointed in the quality of this one too. You have a great talent and I look forward to reading more of your hubs. BTW cigarettes were a socially accepted addiction in my day and who knows how FB addicts will be viewed in years to come!
Thank you again! Exactly my point: "Out of controll". I'm with you. I sometimes need a break from it.
Facebook is getting out of control with me, shew I tell you I can find nothing in my email anymore. It is great and I love it but I have to turn off some buttons!
Voted up and across!
I agree LesleySherwood. Virtual friends are only nicer than the real thing, because they can hide behind their computers, roll their eyes, & we'll never know. : ) True people let the world know lots, but things are always easier virtually...sometimes a bit too easy. Like TMI. : )
I think the key to facebook is knowing how to use the privacy settings. There is nothing wrong with virtual friends, sometimes they're nicer than real live ones, ha ha. I do think lots of people don't realize how much they're allowing the world to see though.
Alocsin: Well then I guess you can join our junkies support group ; ) Thanks for the vote up & the interesting rating!
Sadly, I too am a Facebook addict though I only enrolled about six months ago. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Thanks Alecia. I agree with the TMI. Like do I really need to know about someone's bowel problems? I think NOT!
And yeah, if one has something insightful to share then great. Otherwise, I'm not interested. I guess some pple's idea of what determines insight, is their cat singing...Hmmm. : )
I've been on FB about 6 yrs and honestly after about Sophomore year of college, it became like E-mail to me. Not so much a destination website but a requirement to check. I agree that some people are TMI with their lovey dovey feelings, their kids, pets, the suckiness of their jobs and so on. It's okay if you have something funny or insightful to share but don't tell me when your cat sings "Born this Way." That's too much. Great hub!
Lol. Me Too! Maybe we should start a support group... : )
I must be a Facebook junkie. Every time I go on any other site I try to like everything.. LOL! I think I need rehab. Very cute!
You know, it seems that I might be turning in to one as well...maybe there should be a detox program for it...; )
Hate to say it but I am a Facebook Junkie :)
Sushen: Yes, it can be great for buisness/advertising etc. On occasion I've even shared a few hubs on it.. ; )
i use facebook for both personal and professional reasons. Facebook has huge impact on my carrer.
Rock_nj: It's true, it's great for some things, it can be used for business, and we can go on, or stay away. We have the option.
Sunshine625: Uh-oh, sounds like, you're a real hardcore facebook junkie! ...; )
I know what you mean about getting bombared with friend requests from people that you went to high school with. Somehow going to high school together is equated with being a friend on Facebook. Anyway, I have been weary of accepting friend requests from high school people I didn't know well, and I never accept total stranger friend requests. But I have to say that I have become friendly via Facebook with some of the people that I rarely if ever spoke to in high school. It's kind of odd, but it works for me.
One thing you can do with marginal "friends" on Facebook is ignore their updates. You accept them as a friend and then ignore anything that they post, unless it is posted directly to you, such as on your wall.
I did a hub about other useful features on Facebook besides social networking. I like using Facebook to follow things that I like such as bands, artists, and TV shows. I like the pushed updates.
I've been a Facebook fanatic for about 6 years now. Always an adventure. Never a dull moment with FB!:)
albertsj 3 months ago
Rock_nj, that's a very good point. And I, as many other's I'm sure, have shared quite a few hubs on FB too.