I don’t understand Facebook!

Aside from the technical issues I don’t understand about how Facebook works, I also do not understand the things people post or why they post them.

I get that it is an easy way to share pictures with your loved ones.  You only have to post them and then the burden is on them to follow up or comment.  It relieves you of the burden of remembering to send the newest pictures of Junior to all your far-flung relatives.  So you don’t have to worry about pissing off your rich uncle Harold who might not leave you any money in his will if you forget him.

I get that one.

What I don’t get is why people I’ve never met send me “friend requests.”  Some of them have over 1,000 friends already.  What do they need me as a “friend” for?  Do they view Facebook as a popularity contest?  Let’s see how many people I can get to “like” me?  Do they think that just because we have a friend in common that means I am interested in their life, likes, and dislikes?  Are they trying to pay me a compliment by indicating that they found something I posted interesting or provocative and would like to hear/see more of my thoughts?  Or do they just need validation that they exist in this world – if no one “sees” me, do I still exist or matter in this world?

But the post that set off this diatribe is a “picture” which says basically “I don’t think anyone is reading anything I have to say, so if you read this picture, please post a one-word reply that describes your day.”  I’m sorry.  If you don’t think I’m reading what you post, maybe you should consider that what you are posting is not worth my taking the time to read it.  Personally, I HAVE A LIFE and would urge you to get one, too!

If no one is replying to your posts, maybe you should consider the content you are posting.  What contribution to the world is this latest video, quote, picture of [fill in the blank]?  Yes, some people will be uplifted or amused by Fluffy’s latest antics, but some people prefer flowers or sunsets, and will scroll past Fluffy with nary a comment.

Bottom line:  if no one is responding to your posts, make an interesting and provocative post and see if you can start a dialog!  Don’t pass crap on just because someone passed crap on to you!

OK.  Having gotten that off my chest, I will apologize to those of you who would have preferred more pictures to this rant.  The flowers in my yard continue to amaze me.  I have flows of purple asters, some tall spiky purple flowers I have not yet identified, and some others that are red and white, growing in a cluster at the top of the stem.  I’ve not wandered the yard with my camera in search of all the new ones and since it is gray out, will probably not get to it today.

Have a week!  Have a day!  HAVE A LIFE!