I’ve loved computers ever since I was a young girl. I remember asking for only ONE thing on my Christmas list – an Apple 2G computer – thinking I would actually get it that year! I figured my parents might seriously consider it, since it was the only thing I wanted. Sadly, I didn’t get my coveted computer. I suppose I’ve come to a full circle computer moment, as I am the proud owner of a Macbook laptop.
One of my favorite things to do on my computer is connect with others. Even though I’ve loved technology for years, I refused to join Facebook…what was the point? I created a Myspace account; I didn’t like it. I thought I’d have the same reaction to Facebook. I didn’t. Five years ago, my friend Jay Auerbach got me thinking about the popular social networking site. I listened and laughed as he spoke with delight about how he’d re-connected with his college buddies. He told me I HAD to get on Facebook! He was right.
I decided to give Facebook a try. I figured it would be a great place to publicize my book. I quickly became addicted. I received so many congratulatory posts – regarding my book and t.v. interview – from old school friends. I connected with people I haven’t talked to in nearly twenty years! Five years later, I have over 600 friends, a Naked Desires poetry book page with 105 fans, and now, a new blog which has received over 500 views in five days – thanks to my Facebook family!
I love Facebook, but it is not perfect. There is something I’d like to change. I’d like to encourage the millions of people there to really connect with each other. It’s easy to meet others on your computer; true connection takes work. Do you really know your Facebook friends – the essence of who they are? How many of your “friends” do you actually know or have met in person? I have hundreds of friends, yet I am alone all the time. It’s one thing to connect on a computer screen; meeting face to face or talking on the phone leads to a much deeper connection. Let’s put true FACE TIME back in Facebook!
The NAKED TRUTH about Facebook: it’s my portal to the world and it helps me feel less lonely. It’s a place where I can go to connect and receive encouragement along life’s journey. It help keeps me sane. I’ve been going through a lot; I often feel alone simply because I am most of the time. I am not a lonely person – just a person who is alone too much. To me, Facebook is the ultimate friend – it’s always there and never disappoints!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Facebook.
You are a gifted writer Doc. I enjoy reading your posts. They are so thought provoking and meaningful. Positive changes will probably occur in people’s lives after they read your words.
Thank you! I hope positive results will occur in people’s lives as a result of my words.
Inspiring!!!!!!
So true! So many FB friends, yet so little personal connections. Facebook is a wonderful way to keep in touch with those around us. It embraces new relationships, maintan current friendships, and reunites us with pleasant memories from our past. I love it …..when it is used wisely.
Dear Kathy,
I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. What a wonderful way to describe facebook!
I use facebook for what it was created for, connecting with people. I love it. I have friends all over the country and some beyond the states, Who has time to call or sit down and write letters to catch up in this busy world? I like that I can pop online and see my friends and family living life through their posts and pics. I just don’t like when people abuse facebook with stalking ex’s and creating drama.
Hi Suzie,
Yes, facebook is a convenient, fast way to connect with friends. Thank goodness we can block those who create drama!
If u are spiritual, u are NEVER alone..Sometimes my happiest moments are spent alone, or rather with my best friend ( my dog)..
True, however, when one goes from having a social life to nothing at all, it’s hard no matter how spiritual you are.
well said! I agree that Facebook is an excellent springboard. but I struggle with the same issue of spending not enough FACEtime. (I have no one to blame but myself for this, though.) there are plenty of outlets for connections, but I haven’t burned enough gasoline to take advantage of the BEGINNINGS of friendships… though i’m not too into new year resolutions, it’s something to work on this year.
Dear Renee,
I, too, do not put myself out there nearly as much as is required to make true connections. I’d like to work on it this year, too. 🙂
Dear Dwayne,
I agree – it’s better to meet people face to face. How is the challenge going so far? 🙂
Great words from a great lady! Good going, Nicole!
Thanks, Nancy! :-))
FB, like any social networking platform, must be used wisely. And, like anything else, must be used in moderation. If you don’t want to learn how to use it, then it’s probably not for you. I agree with the author, it’s a great way to connect with people from your past that you may have lost touch with. The world is so much flatter these days that having something like that can help us stay connected. Thanks for writing, Nicole!
Thanks for your comment. I agree that facebook must be used wisely; it has been a great networking tool. It also connects me with others, which I truly enjoy. 🙂