Are you on Facebook Yet?

So the last thing your kids want is for you to get a Facebook account. Actually, the 'crush' you had in junior high is probably dreading it more. But it is time to join your older teens in this not-so-new social network.

First of all let me explain that Facebook is a Social Networking site. Users can join one or more participating networks, like their geographical region, school, social group, house of worship or place of employment.

Once you join a network, you can then begin searching and connecting to friends who are also part of the network. After you've made these connections, you now have Facebook Friends.

You can find your 'real life' friends by using the Friend Finder tool. This will scan your current contact list of email addresses and let you know who has a profile on Facebook. You can also use the search tool to find co-workers, classmates or anyone you have been looking for.

Once you start building up your friend list, you will want to tell them what is going on in your life. This is when you begin populating your Profile. Some users put lots of detailed information and pictures online. Since you control who you want to see your information (by selecting friends) you have some sense of privacy. But as I tell all the kids I meet, you can never guarantee that one of your BFFs (Best Friends Forever) won't forward your information to someone else or post it elsewhere.

Rule of thumb...if you don't want to see it flashed across the morning paper, then DON'T put it online in ANY FORM!

You can really get carried away, or you might sign up and never look at it again. The reality is, adults don't use their computers the same way kids do and socializing ALL DAY online might not sound like something you can imagine yourself doing. Consider yourself old if that is how you feel.

So, why would I recommend it? I want you to experience, even for a short time, what your kids are doing; and UNDERSTAND why they might want to do this. If you're lucky, your kids might even let you become their Facebook Friend...but don't count on it! Print this post