It's OK to be a Facebooker!

There was a time when if you asked some people if they watched a certain network program or listened to a particular radio show, they responded: “I only watch PBS and listen to NPR”

They also still think Howard Stern of 2024 is Howard Stern of 1984..or 1994..or 2004.

Well, excuuuuuse me. 

While no one is above the law, no one is above social media. I am talking about Facebook and it also depends on how you use it.

Some use it to rant (guilty), boast (innocent) post photos when we look good (guilty), share exciting trips (always done with the phrase: “We were fortunate to go to…..”), share funny stuff (yup), keep us honest (always) and generally, reinforce bonds with those we care to.

I have zero patience for those who think they are better than social media. It’s there to connect and if you think it’s become a cesspool of thought and emotion, doesn’t mean you have to wade in.

I have a few friends who say: “I never go on Facebook.” I hope you enjoy the bubble because, in many instances, you miss family news, joys, sorrows and generally sharing your lives.

Then, there are those who use Facebook as Linked In, selling items, selling themselves or making masturbatory gestures to people in the name of networking. I know the movie was called “Social Network” but to me anyway, the word ‘network’ is to connect, not career build.

There are other places for that.

Now, there are generations that say Facebook is for old people. Tiktok is for a generation that mostly thinks the app is 140 character-like where one can post a half-nude photo or comment on something that is pretty vacuous.

Before you call me the ‘get off my lawn’ guy, people have forgotten how to communicate. No one writes letters anymore so our options are phone calls or social media and like alcohol, it is how you use it or abuse it. I’m a two-martini guy.

I have thinned the herd as I have said often because when I acknowledge people’s lives there is sometimes no return of concern, affection, or interest. Caring is a two-way street, the last time I checked.

I understand people don’t join in to my musings or hysteria (not really), but for the most part, other than a joke, meme, or tasteless remark (guilty) it has become the way we mostly connect. That’s just how our world has evolved..or moved backwards, but for me, it works.

I choose to either call in moments of crisis or cry for support and send birthday greetings through the very fun Blue Mountain app if it makes people smile, reflect, laugh, commiserate, sigh or be thankful.

I have always welcomed support, and criticism without judgment unless someone goes after a friend of mine. We have choices: use it as a tool of good or a tool of conflict.

I message people a lot outside of a post. I stay connected. I stay real and in the moment.

Give it a try.