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We often hear dozens of opinions on Facebook. For those who don’t like it, Facebook’s intrusive. The sidebar “ad-stalking” gets weird. There’s more information overload in one day than our ancestors probably received in a year… if not their lifetime. So why am I addicted? There’s only one answer.

Facebook is fun. It’s become the virtual water cooler we all stand around and talk about… everything. Over the years I’ve noticed how posts (and posters) fall into eight main categories.

The Celebrators —  They’re usually raising a glass, surrounded by family and friends. There’s always a graduation, wedding, or birthday. Sometimes they’re just enjoying pizza at the local joint. Their joie de vivre is infectious. Like all of us, they have tough times, but they rarely show those. Instead they focus on the positive. They remind me to live in the present and enjoy life.

The Nurturers — They’re quiet and modest. They rarely post about themselves. But they’re first to react or applaud or share someone else’s news. They feel most comfortable in the background, but you know they’re there by their thoughtful comments and many “likes.” When they do post, I pay attention. They teach me that sometimes the quietest people speak the loudest.

The Humanitarians — They use Facebook for the good. They’re always working to build awareness for the vulnerable — abused women, sick children, stray animals, and the homeless. They take me out of my problems and put things in focus. Having a bad hair day or need to lose a few pounds? Here’s an African village praying for water. Ahem…perspective given. These posters care deeply about their fellow earthlings. They inspire me to do the same.

The Sharers — They tell everything — and I mean everything — going on in their lives, the good, the bad, and the…slightly embarrassing. They need to vent. And boy they do. They remind me that life can be hard and painful. We all cope with stress differently. They’re not afraid to say when they need help. What’s interesting is how they bring out the best in others who jump in with advice, solace, and kind words. The Sharers teach me that sometimes we just need to be heard.

The Debaters — They bring intellectual heft to Facebook. They’re always disputing the “hot button” issues — politics, guns, race, women’s rights, health care, the best sushi places in San Francisco, the most overrated rhythm guitarists. They’re eloquent and persuasive, each taking a turn at the podium. They teach me to listen to other’s opinions with a more open mind (or at least try). The Debaters show how most of us have passion and a viewpoint and deserve to be heard.

The Comedians — They’re always sharing the latest “Cats Gone Loco!” video or dogs wearing dumb hats or the most biting political satire. And for a few minutes, it works. You forget your troubles. In their own way, the Comedians help me see life through a different lens. I’m grateful to them. They teach me not to take anything (including myself) too seriously. It all goes fast. Enjoy the ride.

The Mystics —: Their specialty is spirituality, new age wisdom, and inspiration. They focus on the beauty of living and the holier realms above. They remind me to stop fixating on the phone or computer and look up and out. They remind me there’s still magic in the world. And yes, I have to think about whether fairies are guiding me to my higher purpose, but I like pondering the question.

The Strangers Who Turn into Friends –- Okay, this isn’t a style of posting, but had to throw it in. I’ve been amazed at the wonderful people I’ve met on Facebook. We’ve connected over writing, family, art, life stages, dance, pets, mutual acquaintances, cupcakes, everything. Even cooler is the fact these people live everywhere. I strike up sometimes daily conversations with posters from Australia, India, and the UK like we’re in the same room instead of half a planet away. I love that.

Let’s face it. Facebook is the human condition writ large, with all its joy, sorrow and rage. Everyday it reminds me of one thing. We’re not alone. We’re there for each other. Facebook is society (and Planet Earth) in all its dysfunctional, fascinating, squabbling togetherness.

Maybe Shakespeare was right. All the world is a stage.

And on Facebook we’re the stars. What could be more addicting than that?

 

What are your thoughts on Facebook? Comments are always welcome and thank you for reading and sharing!

Comments(46)

  1. I love facebook – I resisted it for a long time because I thought it was a teenager thing and I didn’t want to bug or embarrass my kids. Then they got old enough not to care and I dipped my toe in……and then took the full dive. I love the connections and the way you can keep up friendships when you live a long way away from people. btw you forgot to add #8 the stalker – I am a ninja stalker and love that side of fb too 🙂

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Leanne, It also took me a long time to get the FB bug, but once I got it, I got it. I love the way I’ve connected to so many people and realize I’ve already left out some more FB categories — like ninja stalkers! I sense a Part 2 coming. Thanks for reading.

  2. I love Facebook. It has brought me so much love and friendship. Friends and family members I have found from many years gone by. And it is always there waiting…in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep, someone is there to say a few kind words. I have recently unfollowed quite a few people, not unfriended, unfollowed…due to the election, but I still love it.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Renee, I love the way FB has connected me with old friends and even relatives I haven’t talked to in years. I’ve also unfollowed a few people and I can see how politics can be dividing, which is why I never post anything in that vein. Thanks so much for reading.

  3. I love Facebook but I try not to post controversial things related to religion or politics. I’ve “met” people I consider to be friends now. Just one more way to connect.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Tayla, I’m the same way with controversial stuff. I steer away, but still like reading the debates. They’re always interesting.

  4. Thought-provoking and all true! It can seem so narcissistic and yet, if you don’t share with others how will they know what’s happening with you? What I enjoy most are the wonderful videos and memes that crack me up each morning!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Good point, Laura. We do learn about ourselves through FB. And yes, I’ve had days when the right meme at the right time makes all the difference. Thanks for reading.

  5. Oh yes, I see all these and now I’ve learned to just filter the good stuff and enjoy it and let everyone be themselves (or not) on Facebook.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Corinne, Yes, filtering is key with FB. And I’ve had to unfollow a few people I couldn’t “live” with anymore. Way too intense, too often. Thanks for reading!

  6. This is so interesting. We really do all fall into one or more of these categories with the way we use and interact with people on Facebook. Definitely something to think about!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much, Jennifer, for reading and commenting.

  7. I enjoyed the post, Laurie. I do think you may have missed one group on Facebook, though. There are people like me: The Incompetents, who really have no idea what they’re doing.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Bun, I think I missed many categories — the promoters, the stalkers and now the incompetents! There may be a Part 2 in the future…

  8. Fun post to read! I started on Facebook when my best friend from college moved away. It was a way we could see pictures of each other’s children grow up. Many years later I’m amazed at how I’ve embraced it and met so many great people and friends from Facebook.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Me too, Lori. I’ve also embraced FB and can’t believe the relationships I’ve made — and rekindled. Thank you for reading.

  9. I love this. Yes, our worlds are certainly different now that we are all in this community built by Zuck.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      I’m convinced the world is all Zuck’s. We just live in it. So funny!

  10. It’s difficult for me to put myself in a Facebook Box. Probably sharer…

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Anna, I think we all overlap. I’ve been told I left out several — the promoter, the stalker, the incompetent(?). Maybe I’ll do Part 2! Thanks for reading.

  11. I enjoy Facebook – I like seeing how my old friends are doing & “chatting” to them; I like being in my local village groups to find out events,local news,party invites & other issues; I love reading & sharing the millions of blogposts from around the world; I love my blogger friends who I met online; I like to read & see how distant family are doing; have a nose at what my older offspring are up to (!) ….

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      I agree, Linda. I also love that about Facebook. I never thought I’d get so into it when I first started, but here I am!

  12. Personally, I love Facebook. I reconnected with people that I grew up with and love the connections. As a blogger, I used to love FB but it no longer loves my Blog page…oh well, maybe the FB Gods will change the rules again…

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Rosemond, I think the most fun part of Facebook is reconnecting with old friends… some that go back 30 years. There’s something magical in that.
      Thanks for reading.

  13. I think I’m a little bit of all of the categories, it just depends on the day and the mood I’m in.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Jennifer, I realized I’ve already left out several key categories, including the promoter (that would be me with blog posts) and the stalker, as someone else suggested. There are probably more. There might have to be a Part 2!

  14. I used to love FB but since the election, I shied away from it. I don’t know which category I fit into anymore. If I have to read one more political rant I think I’ll… don’t know what. So now, I’m limiting my time towards my blog on FB.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Beth, You’re not alone. Since the election, there are huge divides on FB. I don’t blame you for taking a break.

  15. It took me a long time to warm up to Facebook, but once I started blogging it became a necessity. Now I think I am a little bit addicted to it! : )

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Shari, As much of a pain as it is, I’m also a little addicted. Blogging, for me, is very linked to Facebook, so Facebook and I are stuck with each other, for better or worse.

  16. I love FB. I am a little of all fb personalities. I share event pics, pics of the family for far away people to see, I post cat videos, the latest Brad Paisley videos, and my feelings on a lot of hot topics. Nothing draws out the lurkers on my page like a post questioning vaccine safety or that I hate GNO’s and Round Up. LOL
    Mostly I LOVE the online friends I have made.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Michele, I also love the online friends I’ve made. Its amazing how you can feel close to someone, never having met them in person. For me, that’s the magic of Facebook.

  17. After a while I look forward to people’s post because it will be funny or clever or poignant or helpful. I do feel the community of friendship with those I comment and who comment back to me.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Haralee, Its funny how we can make virtual friends without ever meeting them. The internet has shown us interesting things about human nature.

  18. I think I am a combo of many of these. I was forced into social media when I authored my first book. I remember being a little afraid of technology at the time. It took me awhile to find my voice on social media. Mostly I use it for my menopause awareness mission, being a Grandma, and once in awhile for issues and concerns facing women in politics. I see all the negative and positive aspects of it. I do agree with you, it sure helps us to know that we are not alone. For that, I think it is wonderful.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Ellen, I was also a novice several years ago, but now I find Facebook is part of my life. I like the term, “Finding your voice on social media.” That’s a good way of putting it. Maybe social media helps us discover who we are, in some ways.

  19. Yes, I share about my small people. And I post style/fashion, but my FAVORITE thing to do (and it has been this way for years) is to ask for good news – I LOVE to celebrate the GOOD my people are experiencing. And it always puts the biggest smile on my face.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Danielle, In this world, we need all the good news we can get. That’s why I’m so grateful to the positive people and the comedians! They all keep us up and laughing… so important.

  20. I curb my urge to be a debater…although sometimes it slips in. Now I mostly am the comedian, posting cat videos or music videos of my favorite country songs. And pictures..i post a lot of pictures. I have also made very good friendships on FB.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Michele, Of everyone on FB, I think comedians are my favorite. I love the funny cartoons, memes, and videos. It takes us all out of ourselves for even a few moments and that’s so needed.

  21. Spot on. I might say the the over-sharers are also vomiters. I tend to unfollow. You are generous and kind in your descriptions.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Leisa, I tried to tiptoe around the “sharers” a little. Yes, there can be TMI and also strange, cryptic messages clearly for help that always baffle me. That said, for all its problems, FB can be fascinating.

  22. I am always me, for good or for bad! A little of each of these.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 3 years ago

      Carol, So true.

  23. I love Facebook. I don’t want it to go away. It’s how I connect with family who live far away and friends I’ve known throughout my lifetime. I can see people in all the categories you mentioned but I don’t know where to put myself. I’m a little bit of all in a way. I’ve tried to keep politics more on Twitter but sometimes I post stuff if I’m outraged about something or its funny. I don’t share everything about myself. I like to leave some mystery. Sometimes I’m just a fly on the wall.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 3 years ago

      Rebecca, Like you, I’m many things on Facebook, mostly the fly on the wall. I’m not brave enough to throw myself into the political arena, but once in a while will ‘like’ something.

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