“Facebook; is that the site for teenagers?”

This was the question from a 50-something male, asked rhetorically and mockingly, at a small “wine and fancy snacks” gathering I attended a few months ago. Since that night, I’ve thought about that “question” and about Facebook (“FB”).

When one initially registers at FB, FB is nothing but a blank software framework for something. One will find a sprinkling of relatively small ads and will perhaps receive some messages from FB, but otherwise one’s FB is without character. There are no updates from friends at play or in crisis, no kidnappings, snowball fights, Pieces of Flair or lists of 25 personal things. There are no spam messages from installed applications. There is no network. One is alone and it is quiet.

There’s nothing for one to form an opinion about. Some folks might comment about the page layout, which fonts are being displayed or wonder what softwares are working behind the pages, but now there is nothing.

And what happens next is in total control of the FB member. One could make one’s FB a personal network space for him/herself and a lover. Maybe a “family only” network where everyone keeps in touch, shares stories, schedules holiday events and reminisces. One could even take a more liberal approach and open one’s profile up to everyone, or filter it down to only one’s local geographic network. The FB network is the sole creation of the FB member.

One could also choose to install applications for, but not limited to, mob wars, word games, gifts, cards, drinks and 1,000+ other virtual novelties. Granted many of these are simply spam in disguise, some are arguably fun. But, these are all installed at one’s discretion. If an app keeps spitting out reminders into one’s “Notifications” stream, it can be eliminated with a couple of clicks.

One also has complete control over a host of privacy settings and even the ability to see “more” or “less” from specific friends in the “News Feed.” Finally, one has the ultimate option; unbearable friends can be deleted from one’s network.

FB begins as just a software based abstraction of a potential social network, nothing more. As such, there is no reason for any FB member to legitimately complain about any of the “content.” All of the “stuff” is chosen by the FB member and said stuff can be filtered down, filtered out or filtered completely away.

As I think of the comment which is the title of this entry, I am reminded of Steve Martin’s famous line, from the song his Grandmother used to always sing to him, “Criticize things you don’t know about.” This is certainly the most efficient way to appear silly among those who do know.

-KES

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