5 things I’ve Learned from Facebook

It was the year 2004. I was in the university library atrium when someone asked me, “Are you on Facebook?” Then, someone rudely answered for me, “Nah she doesn’t know what that is.”

I think that may have been the end of productivity as I knew it. Well, it was most definitely the beginning of the end of that friendship.

Gosh, that just made me feel old. Yes, I was one of the very first people on Facebook. Back when only those with a .edu e-mail address could open a Facebook account. Back in the days before News Feeds and when Facebook looked so different. To be honest, it’s hard to remember what Facebook looked like back then, but the world was a much, MUCH smaller place, so to speak. We’re talking about a time when MySpace was all the rage.

Anyway, I thought I’d compile a list of a few things I’ve picked up from Facebook from the last 10+ years…

Facebook knows allll your dirt

Let’s face it. I was in a different stage in my life 10 years ago. At 22, I was still learning about myself. I made lots of mistakes, and Facebook was just in its infancy to document some of it. There’s a reason why some of my photo albums are private. I’m just glad Facebook wasn’t around when I was in high school, or even worse, middle school.

But think about it. Every time you’ve been in a relationship with someone and you’ve declared it on Facebook, there’s a record of it on Facebook. Wanna know what’s really awkward? When Facebook suggests “people you may know” and they happen to be people you’d rather stick pencils in your eyes than ever run into again.

Go ahead and try to convince me Facebook isn’t being a little passive-aggressive with those suggestions.

Facebook Taught Me to Trust My Gut

If you’re on the fence about someone’s craziness, Facebook will legitimize your suspicions. We all know one or more people whose judgment we question. I’m not talking about legitimate mental illnesses (because that would be mean). I’m referring to those whose actions and speech reek of so much WTF-ery that you want to get them out of your life, stat. It’s happened to me numerous times, and each time I wonder why I didn’t trust my gut.

Facebook amplifies personalities

(The following can also be said about insta, just fyi.) Those who try to make it seem like they have it all together IRL, are still trying to make it seem like they have it all together on Facebook. We all have those acquaintances who act like their sh*t don’t stink. The ones who post only the perfect pictures. (Their poses kill me). Or flood your feed about only the most perfect events. Ain’t no body got time for that tomfoolery.

Facebook is a Barometer of Relationships

The more “lovey dovey” messages you leave on your SO’s wall, the weaker your romantic relationship is. That’s not my opinion. That’s fact. Just look up any article written by a marriage counselor or relationship coach.

There is no such thing as privacy

This goes without saying, but I don’t think many people truly understand this. When you post things online, they’re no longer private. You know what the #RHOBH say: “If you don’t want something repeated, don’t say it.”

Facebook is a stalker’s dream. Not that I’m talking from experience or anything :)

How about you?

What have you learned from Facebook?