Dr. Strangepost, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Facebook

 With apologies to Stanley Kubrick, Peter Sellers, et al

 

Facebook gets dissed a lot these days. I have some friends, some very good friends, that claim Facebook is a waste of time. And they are correct in that; it is a waste of time. For them. But not for me...

I suppose I'm writing this defense for all of us Facebookians that spend a good bit of time reading newsfeeds, perusing comments, and clicking down lists of notifications. And, perhaps, to enlighten one or two unbelievers into giving it another look (I know that smacks of religion, but I attend to Facebook religiously). So here are a few reasons I spend so much time on Facebook.

This is not applicable to everyone, but if you are not retired, the other reasons may appeal.

It exercises my mind.
We all need to exercise our brain muscles just like the other muscles in our bodies. This has been proven over and over, which is so easily found with Google, I'm not going to bother listing proofs here. Watching television is entertaining at times; educational, less so; and mind-numbing, mostly. On Facebook, I choose what to read and not to read, and what I do read is entertaining (more on that later), and educational now and then (more on that later as well). Facebook is a literary brain exercise machine. The posts are often genuinely provocative and thought provoking, but the comments are often equally stimulating. A few stimulate me to throw up, but most cause me to dig deep into my belief system, and consider the information offered in a new light.

Some posts are patiently offensive. Some are particularly patiently offensive. While I am occasionally repulsed and/or mystified by the mindset displayed, I also use that opportunity to attempt to see how they come to that place. It is a virtual exploration as I have no idea of their cultural, spiritual, and hereditary backgrounds, but, if I can place myself in that virtual place, I can temper my response and broaden my receptivity to understanding that which is occasionally vulgar, offensive, even repugnant.

Some posts enlighten; some elevate and encourage; some truly touch me. But all the posts I read, even those that, at first, spike a rise in blood pressure, gift me with some new understanding, feeling, or approach to that which is other than agreeable to me. I exercise my brain, my mind, and my ability to take a higher road in response.

Facebook entertains.
I have laughed more, longer, and out-louder, than I have on a consistent basis with any other medium. It's true, you have to kiss a few frog posts in order to get close to some good stuff, but it's worth it. Besides, you get really good at scanning, using Facebook. The icing on the frog, as it were, are the links. I have been frequently guided to truly interesting articles and other material through Facebook links posted by others. If I need a good laugh, I go to my favorite posters of humor. Love to laugh it up. It is a good place for those with special interests. There are daily videos on things that I like; cool cars, outrageous motorcycles, and World Rallye racing, which is like motocross for cars. And Dave Barry, my Humor Hero.

Facebook is educational
I have learned a lot about history, politics, the bird and bees (no, no, the actual birds and bees), and odd creatures that inhabit our world, such as Trump supporters (I know, that's a cheap shot, but it's my blog. Mr. Trump can say whatever he wants about me on his). I will acknowledge that it is mostly a rather cursory incursion into whatever interesting subject is at hand, but that is just perfect for me, as it quickly reveals itself as something into which I want to more deeply delve, or if a shallower understanding is sufficient.

I've made many Facebook friends
Of course, they aren't really friends, are they? I have, in most cases, never laid eyes upon them, never stood or sat in their presence. That can't be real friendship, can it? Well, if it is not, that does not bode well for those who have impaired sight.

Yes, they (possibly you) are real friends. Friendship is a matter of the mind and heart, not of proximity. People I've never met, Bill, Dave, Aurora, Andrea, and many more, I count as friends, and, having experienced their hearts as they have sometimes poured them out into a Facebook post, feel close, and a real connection. Then there are the people I have known and loved through the years that I have not seen in years, and may never see again; Diane, Christine, Sharlene, Linda, Mary, and so many, many more. And yes, I know those are all names of women. Eat your heart out.

My life, especially now, when and where I am, is so much richer for knowing my Facebook friends. There are many other good reasons for spending time on Facebook, but this one, this last one, is the best of them. Dear Facebook friends, I am so grateful for you.