Facebook has been available to the public since 2006. Over the past 10 years, it's become one of the most widely used social platforms. We use Facebook for a multitude of reasons including socialization, the swapping and selling of items, advertisement, etc. Though, the most common reason we use Facebook is to find out what everyone's up to because we're all nosey.
Facebook kind of sucks. Unlike other social media platforms like Twitter or Tumblr, Facebook's users range from young to old (very old). So, of course, it's likely that your friend list varies widely. This sometimes sparks a problem when that liberal stoner from school and your 80-year-old racist grandma both comment on one of your posts. Yikes. It's not your fault--Facebook is a cesspool for arguments, none of which actually matters. Picking sides can hurt you either way. What sucks is that you shouldn't have to censor what you post out of fear of someone picking a fight with you or someone else who comments. You have the right to post your opinions and feelings, but sometimes it seems pretty one-sided when someone who disagrees attacks you even though you never confront him or her about his or her own posts.
Facebook sucks because of the repetitive, stupid posts that circulate. Clickbait will be the downfall of our society. I can't believe that adults I've known my whole life, who I thought to be respectful and intelligent, share posts like "Breaking: Michelle Obama Confessed That She Is In Fact A Man." The overload of information we have readily available at our fingertips is awesome, but when opinions and rumors start circulating as facts, we have a problem. We must be careful with what we post, not only on Facebook but on the internet in general. What you put online for the public to see is exactly how you will be seen. Unfortunately, in this day and age, our online presence makes up a part of what everyone thinks we truly are.
This being said, be careful what you post and how you portray yourself online–that impression sticks. Facebook, when used in a respectful and responsible way, can be a good way to keep in touch with friends and family, get information about events, and meet new people.
So, as someone who thinks Facebook does more bad than good, I still refuse to stop using it. Why? Because Facebook is a lazy and quick way to find out almost anything about anyone. Besides using Facebook for petty, creeping purposes, it's also good for getting in contact with someone when you don't have his or her phone number, address, etc. Besides the social aspect, sometimes it's just fun to scroll on your timeline and see all the stupid posts your friends and family are sharing. I'm petty–what can I say?
