I do not know why I balked at joining. I set my privacy so only my friends could see my data and I do not have any really private stuff on there anyway. But let me tell you why it is so good for us seniors to be there.
First, my reason for joining – I get to see those adorable children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of my friends. I can follow their little lives as they grow up. Second, I have reacquainted myself with friends from high school and even childhood. It is nice to get in touch again and remember those times. I also have reconnected with some relatives that I have not talked to in 25+ years. Third, I am connected to all sorts of interesting info that is posted online. It is fun to see discussions that transpire over some subject that generates so many different opinions and comments. I also get to see all these wonderful pictures of babies, dogs, cats, and all animals in the wild.
I “liked” a couple of news stations not in my present town, and I get news from those cities. I have also subscribed to newsletters from different sites and get all that info. I find that I have already read the “news” online, before it hits the TV news shows. I know more about what is going on now with my friends, my relatives, and the world than I ever did previously.
Another thing I LOVE about Facebook is the “unfriend” button. I have not had to use it often, but I refuse to be berated or criticized by anyone at this late age. Don’t like me or what I say – fine. I’ll unfriend you so you do not have to see what I think or feel ever again. And the added bonus is I do not have to put up with your “bullying.”
There is also a place to “message” your friends. It is like texting but without the special phone. I have carried on personal conversations with friends and relatives that I would not have had otherwise. And it does not cost anything to join or use Facebook. They get their money from advertising. A win – win situation.
So my senior friends, if you are not on Facebook, you might want to consider it. I think it is great fun. And by the way, you can set up your “friends” so that you can “follow” them in their posts every day or you can set it up NOT to “follow” them every day. That way, if you have young people (or boring people) as “friends” you do not have to know that they blew their noses twice today or that they ate sausages for breakfast. You have control over what you see in that respect. AND IT IS GREAT!!!!