Why I don’t find Facebook useful
Posted by trae_z on January 24th, 2008
I joined Facebook some two weeks back because of all the hype about it and I didn’t want to appear odd; but now I can truthfully say with all due respect to the site’s founders, staff and members that I don’t find Facebook useful anymore.
I’ve realized that I spend a lot of time on Facebook getting nothing constructive done, in other words I accomplish nothing by being on Facebook save for feeding my hunger for junk info. That is browsing profiles, finding out who knows who, reading people’s lifestyle updates, trying out applications and observing people try to outdo each other with pictures in a bid to look cool or hot. I’ve now come around to my senses to realize that all these are things I can really live without knowing/doing.
Another reason why I don’t find Facebook useful is their collection of too much data than is necessary; scaring the pants out of those who want to be incognito online. Their real name policy for account holders is the starting point of many people’s privacy concerns.
Yet another reason: I had sworn off social networking sites after Blackplanet.com. During my late teens in 2002 Blackplanet was where I cut my teeth as an internet citizen and got to know how the system works before aggressively familiarizing myself with other corners of the internet (wasting a lot of time and money in the process). That is to say I’ve been there and done that and so I can’t afford to go backward by getting addicted to another Social Networking Site with all its vices when ideally I should be progressing.
One more reason: I’m now of the conviction that if one wants to be cool (that’s a large part of what Facebook is about) it’s better done in more profound means by putting more effort into writing in one’s blog, selling products and brand advertising on one’s website, hosting one’s recordings on one’s music site etc (whatever catches your fancy) than by uploading pictures and making ego statements on Facebook.
To round things up I’ve now resolved to stay clear of Facebook. Instant Messaging (Yahoo Messenger), blogs, forums and email are better alternatives to me for social networking. I’d now rather sleep, read, study, listen to music or watch a film than do anything Facebook related. Don’t get me wrong though Facebook will no doubt still make a lot of people’s day but for me I’ve outgrown it. I don’t find Facebook useful so I’ve deactivated my account. I’m looking forward to completely deleting it soon. Cheers.
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u’ve got a point. i just like facebook because i get to keep in touch with people i havent seen in years and in case i need help of some kind ( finding a job, or anything )…i can always ask someone one facebook who’s involved in one way or the other. That’s why it’s called networking. You never know if your friend from way back in kindergaten knows the manager to the company you’ve been dying to work in.
i agree, it takes ur time, but that’s y u need to discipline urself and plan ur time. i guess ur already additcted to the internet which is why u find it sort of addictive.
I guess it has it’s own pros and cons and it’s ur choise to leave…but i’ll miss u..lol
ANONYMOUS>…lol
i agree with mostly everything you said. i guess my last remaining reason for staying with fbook is that i also get to connect with long lost friends. but then again, were they really good friends to begin with if i lost contact. do i really want to be in contact with them again….oh well.
I never even bothered. Whilst I agree that it is a fancy way to waste time, my refusal to join stems more from paranoia (my ITSEC background didn’t help), than for altruistic reasons…
I couldn’t help but laugh as I read this. I was convinced to join Facebook. I did, but did so using my blog name. Facebook has been interesting but like you noted, I consider it a waste of my time. As I didn’t use my actual name, I have not connected with any ‘lost’ friends and quite frankly, I’m not sure I would want to. I feel that when the time comes for reunions, they will happen.
I will let my nephew know that he is not the only person checking out of Facebook. I think it will make him feel better and give him more ammunition to convince me to do the same. lol!
wonderful, as for me i will be on facebook til something better happens!
I never dug FB from the first time I saw it. I got similar prodding for Hi5, MySpace but I never budged. As soon as I checked outta Xanga (which by the way, I owe some kudos for letting me out into the blogworld), I didn’t bother myself with the rest. Xanga was the only experience I had with such stuff.
I guess it does it for some, but not for all.
Welcome out!
If you are out of college then joining facebook is absofuckinglutely pointless
I think I remain on facebook for the old friends its brought back to me but your article is causing me to rethink. I consider it highly intrusive though and I’ve seen people I’d rather not have checking out my details, lurking in some other friend’s network of friends and thereby having automatic access to all my details. I just might get off the thing.
all comments acknowledged. was finally able to delete my facebook account yesterday, after going through a process much similar to the deactivation act. this should be the link: http://www.facebook.com/help.php?hq=delete+account#
lol…I haven’t outgrown facebook yet, it’s still a strong part of my cyclic life. I can’t do without spending at least 5 mins on it. And really, it’s not like I gain anything, just do it cos I don’t have much of other things to do….
I like facebook because I have time to kill besides when you get older and you see people die everyday .. You just dont want to nise your life anymore .
But you’re back to FB again aren’t you? Ha ha ha ha !!!
man shit happens…my alma mata (primary school) pulled me back.