Chances are you are either on Facebook or have heard about the online social networking site.  It is hard to escapes it presence in our lives.  I was long ago drawn into the Facebook phenomenon.  For over two years I have been checking in religiously on friends and family.  In turn I have also offered up my fair share of information, pictures and updates to the Facebook gods.

Admittedly, I was immediately smitten with Facebook.  It was intriguing to catch up with old friend, old flames and other wonderful memories of my many previous lives.  My personal Facebook Friend base has now grown to over 400 people.  That number pales in comparison to my nieces and nephews.  Most college kids tout a Friend count of 700 or more.   Interestingly, what was built as a tool for youthful college students has been taken over by an "older" demographic.

So why have so many people gravitated to Facebook?  I think it is simple, Facebook fulfills our insatiable curiosity.  It answers the age old question "What ever happened to?"   I have caught up with people from grade school, high school, college, all of my previous jobs and even the children I used to babysit in 1992!

The attraction to Facebook is still alive and well.  As time goes on, I am connecting with new friends on Facebook.  I am cheering on my Philadelphia sports teams from afar.  I keeping up to date on my favorite websites and design publications.  I am finding out about local consignment sales. I have even reconnected with a dear friend from England.  It really is quite exciting!

So...is it all good?  Most will agree Facebook can be wonderful in small doses; however, sometimes it's best to back away from the computer.  I have sworn off online games like Farmville as well as instant messaging.  It's too much for me.  I would never leave my home!  I also think it is necessary to set up security controls that limit access to your personal information and profile page.   This is also not a great place to splash the "Ladies Night Out" photos for the entire world to see.  This is still the net and once it hits the web it is there forever!

Please visit my DC Metro Mom Facebook page and hit the "LIKE" button at the top of the page.  I love reader comments.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/DC-Metro-Mom/160638377331539