Facebook

Facebook has changed our little world.  I mostly go on Facebook to see pictures of family, and to see news about family.  Some of my family is very near by, some is very far away.  So I love to see pictures of everybody.  I don't post much, but I look -- it kind of goes in spurts -- sometimes a lot for a few days, then I'll go for several days without looking at all.

Some of what I see along the trek of finding family posts is amazing.  Heart-warming news articles and videos.  Some posts are from news or people I don't know, that got shared -- and are SO stupid.  Some posts make me cry.  Some make me laugh. Some make me angry.  And there are things that make me say again and again, "Thy kingdom come."

But even with that, what is really shocking to me are the comments:  crazy, stupid, arrogant or just plain mean comments people make to even positive news or posts from famous people (you know, you "like" the page, even though you don't know the person personally?  those famous people).  

People have no sense, or no manners or no compassion.  They are so full of bigotry and hatred and self-centeredness, that they want to ruin even the most positive situation.

I see it on YouTube, too.  Comments from people who are clueless and/or mean.  And lots of YouTube videos get shared on Facebook.

There was a video of a female sign language interpreter who worked for the NY Mayor's office, and people noticed how "animated" she was -- actually her signing was quite normal for ASL, but to hearing people it looked "exaggerated", because they aren't used to seeing good signing.  It was a positive video and interview with her.

So what did the comments focus on?  How hot she is and how  much they'd like to bed her!!!!!    Or what would it be like to have sex with a deaf person!   Grrrr.

The GREAT thing about Facebook is that it has helped me connect with long-lost friends and even relatives. People post prayer requests.  People announce the births of their children or birthday occasions.  So it's not ALL bad... 

Then there is Facebook itself and its quirks.  Facebook puts ads on your newsfeed that magically fit your interests, and even what you're likely curious about.  Do they track you?

How do you feel about that?   How do you navigate Facebook to avoid the pitfalls you find?  More and more people are using Facebook to send messages to each other, and even to invite people to things...  How do you feel about that?  Do you use Facebook for business purposes?

Don't get me wrong, I like Facebook... but some of the users are, well, I'm just thankful they're not with me in person:).  And I'm NOT referring to my friends and family!

Comment below -- I'm curious, and maybe you are, too.  If you wouldn't want to comment about Facebook on Facebook itself, comment here.