Facebook

I thought due to the fact Facebook ignited this blogging idea, it would be a good first topic.

Oh, Facebook.

 The magical world of drama where lifelong friendships can end, we all give out way TMI, and stalkers can fulfill they're wildest dreams without violating a restraining order. It's the place where everyone thinks they're an expert, and their opinions really matter; where it's determined whether you will be successful or doomed to a life of loserdom for eternity. It's where you meet the love of your life - or lose them - depending on the circumstance. It's the place you go to air your dirty laundry, and read everyone elses so you can go gossip to your girlfriends or buddies later in the day (We all do it, let's not pretend we don't). Hell, you can even find out about life altering events on Facebook, like the death of a loved one. That's always nice.

The majority of what we hear nowadays stems from Facebook, what's worse is we believe it...

 People truly believe they can know someone based off of what they read on Facebook. That's always been a thought process that has annoyed me. I have several "friends" on Facebook I've never met in person, however I cannot say that I know everything about them, or even assume I know who they truly are. I am not discounting the possibility of getting to truly know or care for someone based on Internet interactions, I'm speaking more of judging people based on a post, or 100. You can be whoever you want on the Internet. If I wanted to, I could tell people I was a doctor and probably pull it off for quite awhile if not forever. A drama queen can act cool as a cucumber, and a mellow person can come off as a spaz.

Facebook is taken very personally. I am guilty of that myself. I find myself annoyed with having to have forced interactions with friends who are mutual friends with people I don't care for. It's much easier in person when you don't have to see the mutual friends interactions with the disliked party. This can lead to irrational thought processes and unnecessary drama and hurt feelings, even though it's none of anyone's business.

Any time a hot button issue is presented, it always explodes. Politics, religion, circumcision, war, welfare... I'm pretty sure none of us know what the hell we're talking about, so perhaps we should all just stop discussing these topics altogether...

I've grown a bit uncomfortable with the lack of discretion Facebook has allowed in recent times. All these lists, groups and notifications has made it difficult to control what people see. If you like my photo, everyone on your friends list knows you liked it. Same with comments... why do I need to know what you have commented on some random page? I know there are ways to control this, but it's just become too much effort.

It's too easy to vent on Facebook. Those of us in the military life know you often find yourself in a new place, with no real life local friends. Hell, even if you're not military, we all feel alone sometimes when we can't get anyone to answer the phone, or come over. Facebook, in a way has cured loneliness for many, sometimes that's good, sometimes it's bad. When one has no one to talk to, they often turn to Facebook for companionship. I have friends that have mastered using it for this purpose while avoiding possible social consequences; but some haven't. At all. Once it's online, it's there. That is something my dad has always drilled into my head. You can't take it back. So, for instance, if you are angry at your best friend and you post all the dirty details for 500 people to read, some of those people are going to remember that, and probably talk about it.

I hate random friend requests. I don't mind being added by someone who wants to get to know me, or is looking for a friend; but it seems that once one adds you (this is especially common when I join a Group) you end up receiving 20 requests in two days. I'm not adding those people. All that does is create more useless crap on my news feed. I care about my friends, and what they're up to. Random girl who hates her husband, kids, and life... not so much.

Stalkers. There are a lot of them. They often log into other peoples profiles to spy, or force others to tag you. This annoys me. If I wanted you to know what I was doing. I would be friends with YOU. If I don't want to talk to you in real life, it's probably safe to assume I don't want you in my shit. I'd love to say the "block" feature works, but it only works when you catch them and they aren't spying from a friends profile. You should be able to block by IP address.

Groups drive me nuts. They are just catty drama fests. It doesn't matter if it's a pregnancy group, a For Sale group, a political group... it's nothing but drama. Much like the comments on websites... can't we all just get along? Why is Facebook a popularity contest? Here's the deal : I'm not going to think you're cool, smart, superior, stupid, uneducated, etc. based off a Facebook comment regardless of what it says. Likewise, I don't expect you to make rash assumptions about me, either. Oh, but in the world of Facebook, that's how it goes...

I intended for Facebook to keep me connected with distant friends and family through my travels, but it's turned into much more. Too much in fact. I am taking a step back to avoid losing my mind.