Hello, my name is Kylie and I’m a Facebookoholic …
And you know what? That’s perfectly fine with me!
Yes, I freely admit the first thing I do before getting out of bed is … check Facebook. While I’m watching TV, I’m on my phone … checking Facebook. And when I’m working, there is a browser window open permanently so I can … check Facebook.
I may also be guilty of having my mobile handy in restaurants if I need to … check Facebook and post the obligatory “what am I having for dinner” photo.
I confess, I LOVE Facebook.
So why is hating on Facebook the new cool?
I have friends undergoing Facebook detoxes and technology free weekends. Then there’s those scaling back their usage because of privacy concerns or cancelling your account entirely because it’s the “hipster” thing to do.
Even businesses are whinging about a deliberate decrease in engagement as part of a sinister plot by Facebook to push businesses toward advertising.
Well yes and I actually have no problems with that … but let’s save that one for another post.
The things is, while the number of anti-Facebook hipsters continue to grow, my usage has only increased.
I am a Facebook addict and proud of it!
So I wanted to share with you why I think Facebook so awesome.
1. Facebook is my journal
Every post is almost like a diary entry documenting the milestones and precious moments over the years – both good and bad.
And with Facebook’s recent addition of the “This is what happened 2 years ago today” reminders, these memories are never forgotten.
Remember the controversial change to your Facebook Profile that had all your posts displayed like a historical timeline?
It kinda bombed and disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
I loved it.
As I scrolled down the page, I saw the past five years unfold before me revealing every milestone of my 4-year-old little man and all the memories in between.
But your Facebook experience is as good as the effort you put in. Make every post count. Celebrate the milestones. Share what’s important to you right at this moment.
And maybe a little less of the “look what my dog did”. Just say’n!!
2. Family is never far away
My little bro Matthew lives in Hong Kong and I live in Australia, but it really feels like he’s just around the corner.
At any given moment I know what he’s up to and never miss a single important moment in his life. And they don’t miss out on mine!
Distance is not an issue. Facebook connects our lives, so we don’t miss a thing.
And if I haven’t heard from him in a while, he is just a Facebook Message away.
3. Reconnect with old friends
My Dad was a teacher, so we moved around a bit when I was in school and there have been many friends over the years which I had lost contact with.
Back then, there were no mobile phones … or internet for that matter! (HUH, showing my age!) Long distance phone calls were costly for regular catchups, so the trusty old pen paper was really the only way to stay in contact. And that wore thin after a while.
Thanks to Facebook, I have reconnected with my childhood best friends who I hadn’t spoken to for more than 20 years. And many more friends have found me over the years.
I can chat with friends who would’ve otherwise been lost to me at a moment’s notice.
4. Organise events with ease
Forget paper invitations or ringing around to arrange a BBQ!
Just set up a Facebook event and have guests RSVP in one click. Easy peasy.
No more chasing those who couldn’t be bothered sending you an RSVP (pet peeve, raaa. Ok, so I might be guilty of it too …). Just send them a Facebook message.
5. Stay on the pulse
Facebook allows me to keep up with the latest news and entertainment – and see what real people think about it. Love it or hate it, Facebook is the biggest social platform in the world and when it says something is trending, it really is trending.
6. Become one of the tribe
I’ve gone a little crazy with Facebook Groups. They allow me to connect to people with the same interests as me. From Business to Photography, Bloggers to Thermomix Lovers, I can join communities (or tribes) of likeminded enthusiasts and get support when I need it the most.
I just love that I can ask a question and have 10 comments in 10 minutes from a collective of knowledge and experience.
7. Connect with like-minded savvy entrepreneurs
Where else can I find others as passionate about business, from all around the world – in one place?
Many of my closest business friendships have been forged on Facebook.
8. Where else am I going to find funny cat videos?!
Or talking twin babies. Or scary spider dogs.
9. Facebook is jam-packed with my future customers
You see. I’m not the only one who loves Facebook.
There are millions of people on Facebook – right now – liking pages, getting involved in groups, connecting with family, engaging with brands, sharing content and posting a selfie or two.
You need to be where you’re customers are and Facebook is where they are at!
So how can you use this to your advantage?
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