In defense of Facebook

A few of my friends aren’t on Facebook. In fact, they are downright scornful of it. I try to tell them it’s benefits, but they think it’s all fake news and Russian bots and foolishness, and they can’t be bothered. I, however, am a Facebook addict.

Originally, I signed up to keep track of my children.  I soon found, however, that one son told me what time before dawn he went to the gym, what time he left, what he had for lunch. Too much information, much as I love him. Today, my sons have melted away though my two daughters and two daughters-in-law are medium active. Some simply react to what I post; others post about their lives and doings.

As an author, I found it important to be on Facebook to let the world know about my books and about me. I try hard not to post too much “Have you bought my book yet?’ stuff. I know authors who post some self-promotion every day, and I find it wearying. But in judicious amounts, I think it’s helpful. I’ve read that young people don’t read Facebook much—they’re on Instagram and other new platforms. That’s okay, I think my readers, my target audience, is on Facebook.

These days I find myself n a conundrum. Some authors never ever post about politics, lest it offend a reader or two. I find I cannot keep quiet about what’s happening in this country, and I post and share and comment a lot. You do have to be careful that what you’re posting is authentic and true. I have a Facebook friend—an author I knew in my publishing days—who does his best to keep me honest. Lately he’s alerted me to “outrage” sites which exist to stir up controversy and diversity. Russian bots? Could be. Beyond the New York Times and the Washington Post (both of which limit my views because I don’t subscribe), I like the National Memo, Wake Up to Politics (done by an incredible high school student), and Daily Kos.

Some days Facebook makes me laugh aloud. Yes, it’s sometimes about things that our squatting president does, but it may just as well be a dog post. I liked one recently that had two pictures, one on top of the other. The top was trump saying he’d love a dog but he doesn’t have time (it would cut into all that Fox watching and golf I suppose) and below it a Dachsund, paws in a prayerful pose, saying, “Thank you, Jesus.” Or the one of a couple exchanging wedding vows at an outdoor arbor. Their large dog sprawls upside down in front of them—that absolutely unselfconscious, happy pose that dogs get when they’re perfectly happy with their surroundings.

It took me a while to learn what a meme is, but there are many on Facebook that I like and that would make me a little wiser, I think, if I pay attention to them. These are often accompanied with terrific photography. A current favorite: “Life’s tragedy is that we are too soon old and too late wise.” Another favorite: “May you touch dragonflies and stars, dance with fairies, and talk to the moon.” One that hit home said, in effect, “Buy that plane ticket, apply for that job, date that person—do what scares you the most.” I wish I’d heard and heeded those words when I was younger. I think a lack of courage has limited my life—too late now to discover that.

Lately I’ve found lots of posts about the great strides other countries, a lot of them so-called “undeveloped,” are making to slow climate change. India, for instance, builds roads of plastic waste. We in this country should be ashamed that we are so behind but then, trump is recruiting fourth-rate scientists to prove that climate change is a fiction. He may kill us all. Meantime I share the environmental posts I find.

And finally, there’s friendships. Like many others, I’ve rekindled old friendships and sustained longtime ones with Facebook exchanges. I’ve made new friends, and I’ve chatted with an extensive network of writers. Facebook has broadened my horizons.

Okay, yes, it’s a time suck. I prowl Facebook early in the morning, after reading email, and late at night, just before I go to bed. During the workday I ignore it. But I won’t give it up, and I invite you to reach out and explore the world it offers.