Why We Like Facebook

I have available to me at least three mediums by which to write now, the latest being Facebook.  I've only been on Facebook for a few weeks.  But I'll say right now, I get it.  I get why Facebook is so popular, at least for people like me.

I use writing like I use conversation, but enjoy being able to craft thoughts into words much more slowly and deliberately than I can in conversation.  But even though something is written, it doesn't mean it is designed to be a one sided conversation.  Just like a verbal conversation, once in a while it's nice for someone to say "That's interesting"  (even if it isn't).  When you have a conversation with someone, that person sends you all kinds of clues as to whether you are making a connection.  When you write you don't often have that privilege.  Whether a connection has been made remains unknown.

Which leads to one medium I use to write.  This particular medium allows me to write on topics that may take some time to develop.  The words are chosen carefully to communicate some point that seems important.  But with this medium, there is no conversation.  There is simply me talking.  The other side is silent.  I have no idea if I'm yelling into the wind or not.  But it is the nature of this medium, and I live with it.

The second medium I use is blogging.  I get more feedback here, mostly from two individuals.  My mother and my wife's aunt tell me how much they enjoy it.  Of course, my mother doesn't have an unbiased bone in her body.  But like the first medium, the blogging goes largely unnoticed, making no great impact on anybody, and any connections remaining a great mystery.

Now is when I should start talking about how creative people do what they do because it's what they do.  There's no need for an audience, really, because the fulfillment comes in the doing of it.  Well, in the words of my son's baseball coach, that's a bunch of horse crap.

I'm sure there people who create in the absence of any feedback.  If you are one, then good for you.  Personally, I enjoy a little positive reinforcement once in a while, from someone other than my own mother. 

Of course, the absence of positive reinforcement in my case could actually mean that my writing doesn't deserve any reinforcement.  Maybe it doesn't actually add anything in the big scheme of things.  Well, that's a bunch of horse crap too.

I'm not alone in this sentiment.  It is a universal desire, I'm quite sure of it, with the exception of a curmudgeon uncle I know, who would probably say he doesn't need any god blessed positive reinforcement, because he already knows he's right, and doesn't really care if he isn't.  This is what I love about him.

And this, finally, leads us to Facebook.  Facebook has figured out that people love positive reinforcement and knowing they have connected with others, and has made it exceptionally easy to do.  In about a second, you can hit a "like" button and say to your friend "I like what you just posted."  It may be a small thing, but it is not insignificant to have your post "liked".  And if the friend feels really motivated, they may even comment on your post.  And then other people can like that post, and on and on.  Before you know it, everyone is happy and feeling connected.

So, since being on Facebook and experiencing this first hand, I will make Facebook observation #2:  We like Facebook because we all enjoy hearing "Hey, what you just said....I appreciate it... thanks."  And that's a good thing.