A Love-Hate Relationship with Facebook

Facebook is a rather remarkable online social networking source with more than 1.2 billion users. 

Without sounding like a spokesman it’s greatest attribute is the ability to connect with those you might have lost touch with over time. Of course one of its biggest negatives is those you don’t want to connect with might find you.  Some people seemingly can’t go through their day without multiple visits to the site whether it’s on their PC, laptop, I Pad or smart phone.

Not only do they come back time and time again throughout the day but they feel the need to announce every little thing that happens from what they had for breakfast to the great deal they got on a pair of jeans. Regardless of what they are doing they feel compelled to make repeat trips to update their status, check your status, like or comment to every post under the sun and in some cases end the night by saying “good night” to many who could care less.

This by my definition qualifies them to be Facebookaholics although I do not believe there is any 12-step program which can help them re-direct their attention to things like their job and life.

Seriously, I’m probably in the majority of those who like Facebook but often will go a day or two without visiting simply because I don’t have time.  This can lead to a problem and that is the “I forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday dilemma.”  One of the nice things that Facebook does is alert you to when a friend (that’s an FB friend who may or may not really be a friend) is having a birthday.  You can then use the space they give you to extend birthday wishes and more often than not I keep it short and sweet.

Now the dilemma comes when you go a day or two without a visit and later see the customary message from the person who just celebrated a birthday.  They send out a mass posting that thanks all their friends for the nice wishes and you of course realize you never did.  What do you do now? Take the better late than never approach or do you assume the person doesn’t really know you missed their birthday and it’s best to move on.

I’ve developed a strategy in which I do respond by saying “Late but sincere best wishes and I hope you had a happy birthday.”  Don’t copy that,be original.

Finally to my 1,195 FB friends.  Please, Please, Please stop inviting me to play games like Candy Crush Saga, Lucky Slots and Bubble Safari Ocean.  I’m sure you mean well but it drives me crazy and I hate looking in the top corner of my page and seeing all these requests and invitations.

Okay that’s it for today. Got to get back to work.  I’ll get back to you later with what I’m having for lunch