I'm part of the original target demographic for Facebook, so I've spent most of the last three years with a profile. I try not to do the silly quizzes or things like that unless they look like fun. (So I have the Scrabble app.) I keep in touch with my sister who is apparently unable to use a cell phone (or keep it out of the washing machine...), my friends who I've seen maybe three times since we went to college, and find out about campus events via Facebook.

The frequent status updates...well, if you know you're going to get a reaction...The frequent ones among my friends are "OMG, midterms! I have three tests and two papers and a project due this week!" Those get sympathy and encouragement.

One of the more serious uses for FB: A guy who went to my high school and university was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive brain tumor. We didn't know each other, but we had many mutual friends. (He is a year older than me.) He's undergone several surgeries and took a turn for the worse in September. His closest friends started a group in order to keep everyone updated on how he was doing.