Facebook is the TMZ of Social Networks

As I have mentioned in a previous blog, I joined Facebook and I really wasn't too keen on the whole "scene". I liked the fact that my MySpace page was unique as opposed to the sterile Facebook standard page.

My tune changed a bit. Facebook has a huge advantage: the gossip factor. Seriously Facebook is like a stalkers dream. Everyday I login to see what is the latest drama amongst the group of my cyber friends. What are people up to? Who's been talking schmack? What cryptic message do i need to follow up on? What dirty details from the weekend are being shared?

Then there are the moments when you login and you see the holy grail of symbols on your homepage: the relationship status heart. No matter what, it is going to be good. Did someone finally get locked down and/or forced to change their status? Did someone break up (scandalous)? Is someone in an open relationship (even more scandalous)? I also enjoy the "It's complicated" status, which should really be everyone's status. I also love everyone's comments in response to a status change. Talk about shock and awe.

Seriously, it has really gotten to the point that just about any time anyone asks how anyone knows about anything the answer is Facebook. And why didn't you know? Either you're not on Facebook (in which case we will start a group to force you to join, Lindsey), or you didn't have time to check it. How did you know about that party? Facebook. How did you know they broke up? Facebook. How did you win the interactive Christmas card kissing contest? Facebook. Are they really together? No, their Facebook pages have not been updated yet (true sign of commitment). Based on the conversation string on Facebook, I think this is what really happened. Facebook.

It is a bit crazy, but if I am going to read about the details of people's life on the internet, and of course then judge them, it might as well be about people I actually know, right?

Update: I wrote this post at the end of December 2008 and needed to repost because of some formatting issues, so if you are feeling some deja vu there is a reason. I think that this blog is a funny little piece about the current power of social networks. Today was actually a banner day with 4 relationship status updates on my homepage (one I actually witness the demise of this weekend), however I think it is valuable to note that Facebook, and social networks in general, are powerful deseminators of information. Yes, some of it is personal and gossipy, but I find so much more then that as well. I have really reconnected with many of my high school classmates because of Facebook. I'm not talking about that, "Hey, what are you up to?" superficial post. I am mean actually have gone to hang out with them... more than once. Many of the social events that I have gone to lately, both personally and professionally, were a result of Facebook. I think that you get my point. Social networks can be what you want them to be, and at different times. It seems as though the Internet is starting to reach its potential, just in time for the bar to be set higher.