#IfnotforFacebook…!

I've been seeing and hearing a lot more complaints about Facebook of late. It’s gotten so bad that some ardent Facebook users have decided to reconsider their usage of Facebook social media. These complaints are legitimate, understandable and appropriate. I've personally had a fair share of complaints. The problems range from Facebook scams, hacking, and stolen identities to posting of indecent and inappropriate materials. Needless to say, the above developments are saddening, provocative and frankly disappointing. That said, I have a deep and sentimental attachment to Facebook and I promise to always keep my Facebook page no matter what. Why is that?

Let me give you an illustration. A knife is a very valuable household implement. With a knife, you can arrange a lovely meal, cut and slice some food items, decorate and design your home, do gardening and the likes. At the same time, the knife can also be put to bad use: it can be used to intimidate, assault, and harm people. The question now is: will you stop using a knife simply because someone else used knives to steal or commit murder? The answer is no. In the same vein, let’s ask ourselves: Will it be right to stop using Facebook simply because some have and are still using it to cause harm to others? Won’t we rather seek ways to protect ourselves from the bad influences on Facebook? Accidents happen every day, sometimes as a result of the bad conduct of some drivers, should that stop you from using the road? Won’t people of evil intent always seek ways to bring harm to others? Should that stop you from living your life?

Let’s not forget Facebook in a hurry and brush aside the much good it has brought to our lives. Let’s remember what good Facebook has brought to each and every one of us. I can’t forget Facebook. It made me discover my talents and potentials. It me a better me! As a result, I’m starting this hashtag on my blog, Facebook wall, Twitter account and others: #IfnotforFacebook… I’m using this to encourage myself and others to write and contribute to what good Facebook has done in their lives.

#IfnotforFacebook…!

1.    I won’t have discovered and rediscovered my flair for writing. Facebook provided me the audience, that is, my lovely Facebook friends. I write and post my write-ups on Facebook and almost immediately, I get a response from a friend who has read it. I can tell when my write-up is good, fair or bad. However it was I’m encouraged to do better next time. I don’t make money from what I write, but I feel rewarded knowing that I have something special and that I can contribute in my own way to bring good cheer to a fellow human being.

2.    I won’t have discovered friends and relatives that I've lost contact with for a very long time. With the help of Facebook, I've been able to reach old schoolmates who are now settled in different parts of the world. How else would I have seen some of my primary (elementary) school mates? How else would I have seen my secondary (high school) and university (college) schoolmates who have traveled abroad or in different parts of my country? I have received friend request from people who knew me several years ago but I had no recollection of who they were. How else would I have known about them?

3.    How else would I hear of some important developments that affects me and my friends directly or indirectly? I've gotten information from Facebook friends about job interviews, job spaces, and other productive life ventures. I've heard and received wedding notices, invites, graduation news, news of the arrival of a new baby, and many others. How else…?

#IfnotforFacebook…

To be continued!