Back in August I joined Facebook at the suggestion of a high school friend, but never really did anything other than fill in a skeleton profile and then randomly accept friend requests here and there. But this week I’ve logged in a few times and I’ll admit: I’m wondering if the tentacles of this time-sucking phenomenon is going to pull me in.
I barely have time for blogging, much less searching for friends old and new to link-up with online and constantly thinking of something witty and unique to write in the “what are you doing right now” line. (To date, I’ve never actually typed anything there, undoubtedly surrendering to “boring” as a description.) Ok, I barely have time to fold an entire load of laundry in one shot. For goodness sakes, I haven’t been to the bathroom alone in 40 months. So thinking of adding another internet addiction to my life seems a little silly. I did, however, sit Kenny down at the other end of the computer desk this morning with a coloring book so that I could fool around a little on Facebook and see what the hype is all about.
I found something really amazing: there are actually people on there who have, like 648 friends! I have, like, 12. I really thought that “friend” meant people you are actually friends with, or at the very least, were friends with at some point in your life. But it turns out that it may be closer to “people with whom you may have breathed the same air at one point in your life.”
Why not call it “vague acquaintance request,” or “I think I may have seen that person walking past me 20 years ago” request,” or even, “that name looks familiar somehow request.” I have gotten these “friend” requests from people who not only was I not friends with, ever, but who were mean to me in high school, shunning me from the cool crowd no doubt due to my Sally Jessie Rapheal red frame glasses and spiral perm. Why?
I’n not knocking Facebook. I really do think it’s kind of nifty and a fun way to see where all the old friends of yore ended up, who they married, and if they still have spiral perms of their own. And of course now that I realize that it’s possible to have a second chance at being popular, I spent a little time tonight spiffing up my profile page, adding links to this blog and uploading a photo or two. Anyone want to be friends??
Comments
9 responses to “Popular”
Spend your time as you would think it best spent. For me, keep bloggin, I am grateful for your posts! You encouraged me by what you write, thank you!
LOL!!! LOVE your view of ‘friends’ on FB. I steerred clear of it for a long time too and just recently, like you, added something basic about me. I find it compulsive that some will type in the “what are you doing” line like ever second of their day! Who has the time? It is radiculus to that degree. However, i do admit to the addiction of looking at others – similar to the blog world, but seeing faces that you did breathe air with in yester year. Beware – it’s addictive. One click, turns in to hours!
I agree with your FB comments… I also think it is a poor way to “have friends” – what is this world coming to. That being said, I don’t think I have not checked me facebook in weeks! Doh. P.S. I need to stop using swears (the worst: shit!) in front of my little sailor. Thanks for funny reminder 🙂
My sentiments about FB exactly! To the tee. I was so unnerved by people who have wanted to be “friends” with me – at first it made me feel like I was in high school again competing for popularity and it made me sick for a while – seriously! But i eventually got over it – i’m like you, though – i really do nt have time for it – so i try to make it short visits – although sometime after the kids have gone to bed, i have been known to spend a couple hours …it can get addictng for sure. I’d love to add you as a friend! 🙂
And did you really have the Sally Jessy glasses? You were brave, girl! 🙂 Although, you’re someone who couldhave pulled that off with how pretty you are. As for me, I was always tan (tanning booth – waaaay too much) and had the biggest hair ever – like, the size of Texas. Backthen it was cool,(90’s) but I look back on that and truly cringe. I may do a post on it someday if I get the courage up… hope you’re having a great day,
From one busy mommy to another!
Love, Angela
Angela Riesterer – lets be FB friends!
Oh, P.S. I love your blog header! So cool! I am looking for a new one for mine…
wish me luck! It needs one -bad! Any ideas???
I have over 100 friends on facebook and while I’m not FRIENDS with them all, I do know them all pretty well. When I’m feeling lonely, I go there. 😀
Love Facebook!! It’s my little mommy get away a couple of times a day, and much of the night – lol!! And as a military wife it is a great way to stay in touch with people who would normally end up being “Christmas card” friends. I would love to be your “friend”!!!
Oh the only reason to join Facebook is to play Scrabble with REAL friends and family. (Their version is called Lexulous). There is a reason I left the people in my past- in my past!:lol:
I love FB also. I’ve found friends from years ago. I found one of my highschool teachers too. The Speedracing is great. Like said above, it’s a little mommy brain break.