Facebook - Good or bad?

I'm bring up a topic here that might be touchy with some, but...it's something that T mentioned the other day, and it just got me thinking.  What if I closed my Facebook account?  Would I miss it?

T brought it up in the context of he was thinking about closing his Facebook account.  This isn't the first time he's mentioned it either.  And it got me thinking...sometimes, I feel like I should, too.  Facebook has changed so many aspects of life, which is funny considering it's just a social media device.  It's not supposed to be that life-changing, right?  It's almost embarrassing at times how much control Facebook has over our lives.

But really...think about it.  Now that I am connected with most of my family and friends on Facebook, I already know what's going on with them on a daily basis.  I receive constant updates on their "status," relationship  notifications, pictures, etc.  I technically know what's going on with them, so, why do I need to call them or send them an email?  They already know what's going on with me, too, so....it has negated the phone call in a way.  And the email.  I used to be notorious for sending emails to friends and family.  Cards, emails, letters, but with Facebook (and technically, my blog) I don't really need to.  Why repeat myself?  And it's not that I have anything to add to a letter that they don't already know, right? 

And the way Facebook depersonalizes things...I'm ashamed to say that I was one of those couples...I caved into what everyone else does...we announced our engagement first via a Facebook update.  And changing our status to married on Facebook?  You bet we did that before we left for Ireland.  But how sad is that?   Wouldn't an engagement announcement be something that should be told in person or at least over the phone?  And all of the congratulations we received from people we don't even speak to on a regular basis, while appreciated, did I really need them?  Did it really matter that Judy from my high school class knew I was engaged and wished us well?  I don't even send these people Christmas cards, so why would it matter that they post "Happy birthday" on my Wall?  Yes, it's appreciated, but...not necessarily needed.

It has become funny, too, now that my parents have Facebook.  As soon as I put on my status that I am sick or something is wrong, I get a phone call or a text.  "What's wrong?"  Look, Facebook has even negated the reason for the "Mom, I'm sick, pity me" phone call!

Facebook has its benefits, yes.  It's connected me with people I haven't spoken to in ages...people from my childhood, old jobs, former classmates, etc.  But really, do I actually speak with these people or email them now that I'm "friends" with them on Facebook?  Does it really change anything at all?  No, really it doesn't.

Now will I actually get rid of my Facebook account and just quit cold turkey?  I don't know.  But it's something I'm thinking about.  I've become much too lazy in keeping connected with my friends and family.  Maybe that is just the jolt I need to bring me back to the way things used to be.  Because, honestly?  I kind of miss that.


What do you guys think?