Reader comments
Get out of my face (book)

Gramma224 | 5:56 a.m. March 2, 2009

My kids set us up on Facebook when my hubby and I were serving a mission so we could keep in touch easily with them. Since coming home, we use it to keep track of the kids we met at BYU-H who came from all over the world, and who are gradually going back to their individual countries. It's a great way to keep connected. And, I can still be their "Mama" if they need to talk and share their problems. It's a great tool in today's busy world. Seniors need to hop on board this technology train, or else they will be left at the station all alone. Thanks for the interesting article!

bikermom | 7:41 a.m. March 2, 2009

I joined Facebook about six months ago after a trip to Europe. I wanted to share photos with family and thought Facebook would be the perfect way to do this. No more everyone waiting for e-mail attachments to download. We range in age from 55 to our 70's. I also stay connected to my kids and grandkids. A not-so-good sideline: I'm addicted to Scramble and Word Twist!! Making use of today's technology has a lot of advantages to us "seniors". It's a window to the world.

Anonymous | 8:24 a.m. March 2, 2009

If it weren't for Facebook we'd never know what was going on with some of the family! We've seen picures and had updatees we wouldn't have had otherwise. My kids won't friend me either, but that's okay, I can get my own. Between "100 truths" and "25 Random Things" we're learning more than we need to know about our friends and family.

Comments continue below

A little context, please? | 8:37 a.m. March 2, 2009

Ms. Warburton: How old is Holly Braithwaite? If she's in her teens or 20s, that makes a lot more difference to me than if she is in her 40s (as could be the case with a mother in her 60s). If the daughter is older, who cares? If the daughter is younger, your point is made in the story. Sadly, we'll never know from your original report.

A little context, please?

TexasMom | 9:05 a.m. March 2, 2009

I wouldn't let my son join Facebook until I joined and then he had to "friend" me. He can write all the notes on paper to his friends he wants without me seeing, but if he's going to put it out for hundreds to see then I am going to see it too. It makes him rethink things he might otherwise say or post. In the long run it may save him some difficult or akward situations in the future.

CamT | 9:14 a.m. March 2, 2009

I'm in my 30's and encouraged my parents to join Facebook just last week! I love all of my "older" friends! I can understand teenagers not wanting their parents to be part of their social networking, but most people just want a good way to keep in touch, see pictures, or send a quick message. Luckily my parents are extremely tactful and I know they would never try to embarrass me online.

Waste of Time | 9:24 a.m. March 2, 2009

I am a student at the University of Utah, and one of the few students who does not have a Facebook account.
On your average day you can walk through the marriott library and see probably 8 out of 10 students looking at facebook on computers. They dont just do a routine check on it, they spend hours and hours and hours on it doing who knows what? I think its just another way to show off who you are dating, "look what i did last weekend", "look at my 80s dancing pictures", " i went on a date with this guy". Seriously, is there any blind dates now days? I tried to line one of my friends up with a girl, and his relpy was "ok, ill check her out on facebook, she does have facebook, right?" Before any of you start bashing on this comment, ask yourself- how many hours do I waste on facebook each day looking at other people's profiles? And as for you parents, you know dang well why the daughter in this story did want her mom to join--so she woulndt be able to see all of the shady things!

waste of Time cont. | 9:33 a.m. March 2, 2009

Before all of you start bashing on my comment calling me a loser with no friends, ask yourself this question- How many hours a week do I waste on Facebook spying on other peoples profiles? Admit it, its an addicting waste of time. Another question for you facebookers- How do you all have time to "update" your status every 10 minutes " shaylee is happy she got to nap today" "Becky is so excited for the jazz game tonight" " suzie is mad that her husband didnt listen to her and burned the soup" "rachel is playing with her kids" "kyle had an awesome time last night"..Its ridicoulous, get a life. And for all you moms with little kids--you're done with high school. Walk away from the hang- out days, drop facebook, and spend more time taking care of your kids. Knowing what your friends did last night is not important. Facebook is taking over peoples life. Dont parents get sick of wondering what in the heck their kid is doing on the computer for 2 hours at time? The only break they get is at the dinner table, in which they still must text!

Anonymous | 9:50 a.m. March 2, 2009

My kids also aren't allowed to have facebook unless I can see what they are doing. This world is too dangerous! This teen also needs to realize that we parents like to keep in touch with our friends too!

D Shields | 9:52 a.m. March 2, 2009

I joined Facebook at the request of a niece and since then have been friended by more of the people I know through my nieces and nephews than my age group. It has been great to contact many friends from high school or work that I'd lost touch with over the years, too. I've garnered a number of new clients and students for my classes through the networking aspect.

I don't list information I consider sensitive and reject a lot of application requests. I feel safe with what I allow.

Last to join | 10:09 a.m. March 2, 2009

My aunts and uncles, all of whom are much older than me, actually joined first and convinced me, the 29 year old, to join. It has been fun connecting and reconnecting with members of my family that I don't see very often.

I was hooked | 10:16 a.m. March 2, 2009

Initially, I spent a lot of time FB but have gotten away from for the same reason
"Waste of time" @9:33 did. Status updates like, xxx is going to work, or ooo can't wait for Friday, drove me crazy. Now I just post pictures there and keep it simple.

Nothing is private | 10:17 a.m. March 2, 2009

The internet is nothing to mess around with. People who use facebook are unintelligent brain dead fools!

RE: wast of time | 10:28 a.m. March 2, 2009

I suppose it depends on your definition of "waste of time". I have an iphone and can check my facebook instantly. I probably "waste" about an hour a day on there, although I do know people who spend much more time (especially with those fun word games!) Ok, so I am nosey and like to see what people are up to...but I guees I am not alone since there are millions of people with Facebook accounts.

I will admit though, the updates drive me nuts! I don't mind the occassional witty comment from people, but I have friends (yes, real life ones) who think it necessary to let everyone know they are: tired, on their way to work, at work, deciding what to eat for lunch, full from eating, excited to be done with work, driving home, wondering what to cook for dinner, and tired.

That, to me, is a cry for attention!

Re: Waste | 10:45 a.m. March 2, 2009

Why do you care what people waste their time doing? Why is one waste better than another? Why is playing around on Facebook worse than watching TV or playing video games?

I'll confess that we could all probably use our time better, but I don't see Facebook as being as bad as you say. At least it's social; at least it's keeping people connected.

so now | 10:57 a.m. March 2, 2009

you waste time posting inane comments on the DN blog rather than updating your fb account. Honestly, no one cares how you waste your time.

Duh | 11:08 a.m. March 2, 2009

The other obvious downside to any social networking website is the time management wasted while on the clock and "friending," or "commenting". At my work site alone I know of co-workers on these sites from the moment they clock in throughout the day to after their shifts. Some even stay hours later to keep their Facebook status current or MySpace comments rolling. Funny thing is, all their time on these sites are timestamped, and wouldn't you know that when they are the least productive on the clock at work is when they are the most active on these sites. If only upper management knew of the dollars going out the window just because someone had to fill out a 20-favorite 80s movies list, or searching for ex's. Just do it at home, people. Because co-workers like me are tired of having to clean up after you due to your lack of attention.

JG | 11:08 a.m. March 2, 2009

It's funny that this article would be in the paper today...I just joined Facebook two days ago. I'm 48. My daughter encouraged me to join up because a lot of our family is on it. Well...in 2 days I have become reunited with my best friend from when I was 6 and we are rekindling our friendship. Then, I started getting requests from my High School and College classsmates (I heard this was the original intention of the site).
There was also a memorial page of a friend who died tragically. I was on My Space, but I seemed to only be linked with my kid's 20- something friends. I like the Facebook much better. I also found it reaffirming, as I am coming off a winter blues that had left me feeling as if I didn't have a friend in the world. Now I know I'm valued and cared for by 20 people! I'll try to refrain from embarrassing my kids on the site!

Anonymous | 11:14 a.m. March 2, 2009

Facebook is just an affair waiting to happen!!!

John Charity Spring | 11:23 a.m. March 2, 2009

Although a small minority of people use Facebook for legitimate purposes, the majority use it to promote harmful activities such as immorality and substance abuse. It has become just another tool of modern media to promote self-indulgence and self-gratification. Our society must only use these tools to promote the values that made this Country great: morality, honesty, chastity, and respect for others.

Get real Utah | 11:31 a.m. March 2, 2009

It's not an issue if you are using it for the purpose it was set up to do. Why is this an issue? It's a networking tool.

iamjayiam | 11:42 a.m. March 2, 2009

"Almost thou persuadest me to join..."

Re: Waste of Time | 11:53 a.m. March 2, 2009

Thank you for your comment and reminding me how narrow minded college students are. I have been out of college for a few years and Facebook has allowed me to keep in touch with people from all over the world. Like most things in this world, it should be used in moderation.

Millions of users on FB.... | 11:58 a.m. March 2, 2009

So it must be ok?

Millions of people also want a Europeon socialists style of government. Is that OK, too?

John is sick of socialists.

Anonymous | 1:26 p.m. March 2, 2009

To John Charity Spring,
"small minority of people who use facebook as a legitamate tool"
Your quite wrong on this sir. I'm not seeing "immorality and substance abuse". What I see is family, alumni and friends keeping in touch. Do you even have a facebook acct.?

lol | 1:28 p.m. March 2, 2009

I am getting a hoot out of all the comments by the poster posing as various "anonymous" contributors to these comments. Your syntax and tone give you away as being the same person over and over. These comments are time stamped, too. How productive are you at your job or keeping the home fires?

@ Anonymous 1:26 | 1:51 p.m. March 2, 2009

"John Charity Spring" has made most of the negative comments on this thread and supposedly doesn't have a facebook account though he/she can comment on all the waste of time comments and activities others are making on their accounts. It's entertaining to read this person's angsty bursts of opinion.

BTW, I agree with you. I've been on facebook for about three months and have seen nothing but classmates and family connecting or legitimate networking by small business owners. It's been great.

Mandy | 1:59 p.m. March 2, 2009

Its awkaward when grandparents and aunts and uncles want to be your friend on facebook. I don't want them to be my friend. Its my space away from them. No offense but i'll tell them what i want to tell them.

Jerold | 2:22 p.m. March 2, 2009

I gave up Facebook for Lent.

Holly Braithwate is in her 30's or 40's. She is quoted in today's SL Trib as the spokeswoman for the Hoagle Zoo.

KLB | 3:23 p.m. March 2, 2009

I used to hate when people emailed me photos because I had to download them to see them, find a place to store them on my computer,worry about viruses. Now I can just go to Facebook and see them.

I am 51 and computer savvy. I have young relations that are I am friends with on Facebook but have been grossed out by some of their comments showing up on my updates. I've let them know that the whole family can see it and let them decide what to do about it, or I have limited them or cut them out entirely.

It's 2009 and privacy, unfortunately, is an illusion...I'm starting to worry that people that don't have an internet presence are hiding something!

What was that NT scripture about in the last days the things that were done in secret would be shouted from the rooftops?

Waste of Time II | 3:47 p.m. March 2, 2009

I totally Agree!!!!!
Facebook is an Affair waiting to happen!!

I see so many married guys at work checking out other girl's profiles. Yes, they are "friends" with them, but Im pretty sure if their wives knew how much time they spent looking at other women's profiles, they would cry.
Its a sick world out there, and Facebook is just another disguised vise. Im sure many others out there know what im talking about.

All of you facebookers who get the butterflies because they are so excited to see who looked at their page are mindless losers.

J Burrows | 3:56 p.m. March 2, 2009

It would be cool to do home teaching via Facebook.

Me | 4:35 p.m. March 2, 2009

At least home teaching and visiting teaching might get done more regularly.

JT | 4:58 p.m. March 2, 2009

J burrows, LOL, it would be cool to do visiting teaching via facebook too.

Facebook fan | 5:57 p.m. March 2, 2009

I, too, thought the age (or even approximate age) of Holly Braithwaite was a big, gaping hole in the story. If she is a mom, will she quit Facebook once her children are old enough to have their own accounts, lest she embarrass them? I wouldn't mind at all if my parents were computer savvy enough to join and to friend me. I'm friends with my daughter and many of the youth in my ward -- I hardly ever look at their pages, but I do congratulate them if I hear of an achievement at school, etc. Heck, my stake president friended me on Facebook and I thought it was pretty cool of him.

what is | 6:03 p.m. March 2, 2009

home teaching? visiting teaching?

Nexu | 6:08 p.m. March 2, 2009

I joined at the recommendations of friends whom I remember from high school which was fine with me, but now I'm getting requests from people I don't even know or care to want to know......LOL!!

AKWAKO | 7:52 p.m. March 2, 2009

Facebook serves several purposes for me- posting pictures and keeping touch with people all over the world. I have been able to get in touch with the majority of my graduating class (very, very small school) and plan on encouraging my Mom to set up an account so she can get pictures of her grandkids.

There are valid points in the negative posts, but as with anything, it is about moderation. I have seen no references to drugs/immorality as someone suggested. As far as security- I think everyone's personal info is more readily available that most people think whether you use the intranet or not.

picmama | 12:30 p.m. March 3, 2009

I joined facebook so I could monitor my children and see who their friends were and what they were saying. I still do that, but I have also found friends and relatives and use a way to keep in touch with them. It's a win, win situation.

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