Facebook

What an interesting website that took the world by storm.

It was probably three years ago now that I first heard about facebook. My initial reaction was, "what a ridiculous idea." I couldn't figure out why you would want to post random pictures of yourself on a website... what was the catch? My friends continued to sign up and invite me, insisting that I should check it out. Word of mouth is typically a very strong seller, in this case however, it did not close the deal. It wasn't until many of my friends had already signed up that I considered it. It seemed to be the norm. Sure enough, I signed up to see what all the fuss was about and soon became addicted just as the rest of them.

Why is one lured in? Is it that connection to friends, the mysteriousness about it, the social concept? I'm not exactly sure, although I hardly know anyone that does not have it these days. My mom still doesn't but many aunts and uncles, the old and the young do.

I admit, I do not have the time to visit, or call many of my friends, this way I can sort of keep up. The mobility of people today seems so great that one soon ends up with connections all over. One can also really start to see the map of inter-connections. Work, family, friends, common interests...it seems you know someone, who knows someone else who you know. The "my sisters, friends, mom's, uncle's, boss's niece" kind of thing (this may be amplified for me as I am from Saskatchewan).

Events can be organized, group messages can be sent, common interest groups can be started. There are many many ways that facebook can be used as a networking tool. But does it lead to increased social capitol?

Instead of calling, people are messaging. Instead of going for tea, they are looking at pictures...? I think in some essences it does, I can say "going to Edmonton" in my profile, a friend may see that and let me know he will be in town at the same time, enabling us to meet up. In a separate case instead of calling to talk, I may just check out their profile, them un-knowing, and eliminate that communication factor.

Facebook originated from Harvard students as a social networking tool, which it is extremely effective and recently passed myspace as the most widely used. I think the 300 million USD revenue proves the ingenious design and popularity.

Anyway it is interesting....and I doubt I could delete my account.