Don't be a Facebook Scaredy-Cat

Facebook continues to grow at an incredible rate. In the last 6 months it has seen a 276% increase in the 35-54 age bracket and 193% increase in the 55+ age bracket.  Having said that, there are still a lot of Facebook scaredy-cats out there.

 

The reasons are as diverse as the generations. There are the generation Xers who think their identify will get stolen; the Baby-boomers who blame it for Obama winning the election and the millennials who think it is where all the old people hangout.

 

To these people I say this: Stop being a scaredy-cat and try it out. It has been an unexpected and awesome experience so far. It has created a new and different level of "connectedness" with people that for one reason or another have not been a part of my life in recent times. Are there annoying people? Yes. Are there great and touching moments? Yes. Do you have to be careful what you say or write? Yes. But I ask you to consider, how is this any different from the "real world". You still have social responsibilities such as tact, compassion and integrity although you may be able to get away with some lapses in hygiene and fashion.

 

Facebook is just a new medium which significantly increases the efficiency of your interactions with people. MSNBC has put together a great reference called the Facebook survival guide for awkward adults. It is highly recommended and just might help all you scaredy-cats get off the sidelines.