Facebook

I joined FaceBook a few years ago when my oldest son spent a year in Germany as an exchange student.  One of the other parents started a Facebook group so we could all keep in touch and share information while our kids were overseas.  I really didn't know what I was doing, and my account sat dormant for over a year. 

One day, though, I thought I'd check it out and see what all the fuss was about.  One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was friends with hundreds of people, some of whom I'd never really met, some whom I wouldn't consider spending time with in real life, and others I hadn't spoken to or thought of for decades.  Interspersed with all the noise of superficial relationships, though, I found a neat way to reconnect with lots of really good friends with whom I could share experiences, memories, and pictures as I wouldn't have been able without FaceBook. 

Still, though, I think it's kind of silly.  I know people who spend hours each day FaceBooking (when did it become a verb?) and who seem absolutely addicted to the virtual social interaction.  I got a big kick out of the FaceBook manners video, and I also watched The Social Network last night with my wife.  What a hoot! 

I must admit, though, that I usually check in at least once a day to see what everyone is up to, and I've also noticed a disturbing, recurring phenomenon: At least once a week I read or experience something that makes me think, "Now THAT would be a great status update!"