Can Someone Explain Facebook/Twitter?

[Flybye]

If you think that Team Estrogen is helpful and a wonderful community, would you call that egocentric as well????
Somewhere along the line, someone has said that "people who use Facebook are egocentric" and BAM, the stereotype stuck. I find that extremely unfortunate because it may have prevented people from connecting with old friends. How sad to miss out on the lives of others because of an opinion that someone voiced.
On a side note, we are all egocentric from a theoretical standpoint. When you get your family pictures back, who do you look at first? When you walk by a mirror, who do you look at first? Egocentrism is NORMAL. The problem with egocentrism is when vanity and pride and extremes slip in to the normalcy.
Facebook has been one of the most fantastic things that I have ever opened an online account for. I have found friends from elementary school. I am supporting an old friend as she undergoes chemotherapy and radiation. I have got good solid advice about how to proceed with a surgical procedure that my daughter was facing as well as follow up advice. I have been invited to social gatherings. I have seen pictures of my friends and their families that live in other states. I have learned of births and shared in grief over death. Facebook is no more egocentric than a phone call or an email to update others and receive support.
Bottom line, if people are egocentric to the extreme that it is an issue in everyday life, they will be that way on Twitter, Team Estrogen, Facebook, the telephone, etc. Everyone else who knows them expects that behavior and moves on. Drop the egocentric stereotype.
I double dare you to enjoy learning about your friends and family on Facebook.

[SadieKate]

. . . I have [snip] shared in grief over death. . . .

I double dare you to enjoy learning about your friends and family on Facebook.

Lots of good posts, but Flybye's stuck out because of the sharing in grief aspect. A friend of a friend died and I joined FB to read her beautiful posts about the friend and the friendship.

I also use it to express my outrage, cynicism and laughter with similar-minded friends about political issues and political personalities. Topics I wouldn't post on TE. Since almost all of my close friends are far away and I no longer get the "group fix", FB gives me a way to sort of carry on the same conversations just via a different method.

I also get updates from various business and organizations that I "join" so I see, for example, when trailwork or fundraisers are planned, or ski season starts. My senator and congresspersons post regularly so I feel much more connected with the legislative process.

Double dare yawl too. It was completely different that I expected.

Now, Twitter - no I haven't tried it but FB is information overload as it is.