I have always been savvy with technology and computers – I started working with my first computer at the young age of 8 and when I was 10, I taught myself how to program in BASIC literally overnight. For some reason, though, I didn’t immediately jump on the Facebook bandwagon the moment it became mainstream. It seemed silly, frivilous and simply trendy. I had been using MySpace and enjoyed the ability to control the look and feel of my page. I managed to find a few old friends on it, but most of them never posted anything. Mostly I just used my page as a personal blog to track my mundane life.

Then one day, I finally took the leap. I joined Facebook.

At first the pages looked dull and boring. A stark contrast to MySpace’s colorful pages, flashing blinkies and auto-loading music and videos. But what I quickly realized is that everyone I had on MySpace was also on Facebook and… guess what… they were actually posting! Next I realized that not only were my old friends there, but so were dozens more. To date I have connected with nearly my entire High School class, a childhood best friend I thought I would never find, old teachers, college friends, remote family and even old boyfriends (most of whom I was already still on speaking terms with). While these may not be people I feel the need to converse with on a regular basis, I feel priviliged that I can know what great (or terrible) things are happening in their lives, offer congratulations or condolenses, provide advice, wish happy birthday’s or just simply “Like” their status because… well… I liked it!

Today, like many people, I am hooked on Facebook. I have not only used it to connect with friends, but I have also used it to promote businesses I have been a part of and to follow other businesses I have interest in. And let’s not forget the oh-so-addicting games. So what if Facebook never existed? Where would be then?

Perhaps MySpace would have remained more popular. Or perhaps social networking as we know it today wouldn’t exist – at least not at the level it is now. Businesses would still rely solely on expensive advertising, email marketing and banner ads. While these methods are still used, Facebook’s advertising has been, in my experience, invaluable.

Some say people would call, write or speak in person more. But let’s be honest here, when was the last time you called someone just to update them on your life or find out about theirs? In High School? 15 years ago or so? People tend to stay in their own circles – in their comfort zone. Facebook allows us to open up and reach outside of our circle. It extends our comfort zone.

One thing is for certain, the world would be a less “friend”lier place. I never would have found my childhood friend or connected with classmates who had been outside my circle in High School. This also means I never would have intended to attend a reunion, which I now look forward to. Facebook has given me the ability to reach outside my daily circle and laugh, cry and vent with old and new friends alike. It has rekindled friendships and connected me with people I thought I would never get to talk to again.

So despite the addicting games and countless hours easily wasted away with Facebook, I am thankful it was created. I am thankful I took the leap. I am thankful for finding friends.

Case in point: Life just wouldn’t be the same without Facebook.

• Raptr Is the Ultimate Gaming Service: Connects PSN, Xbox and More – May 16, 2011
• PopCap Games Acquires ZipZapPlay and Their Facebook Games – May 2, 2011
• History of Social Media – November 19, 2010
• Virus Infecting Mac and Linux – October 31, 2010
• Social Media Demographics – July 9, 2010

Where Would We Be Without Facebook? originally appeared on: Crenk
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“The World’s No.1 Nudist Social Network (with over 8000 members)! Providing a safe, fun and friendly place for likeminded people to connect!” announces the web site.

Skinbook it’s a Britain social network site where people can load their favorite nudist pictures and share them with their friends. But wait; there are some ground rules which you cannot avoid:

• You cannot upload XXX photos. You know the type, those hardcore pics that could be offensive for others.
• You cannot upload photos where only your genitals are showing.
• Cannot comment or insult on someone else photos.

Even though it sounds like a bizarre site, if the regulations are in place, people can share their unique way of life with other peers.

• Official Google Social Network: Google+: Facebook Competitor – June 29, 2011
• Where Would We Be Without Facebook? – April 29, 2011
• Customize your Facebook Fan Box – February 3, 2011
• Facebook’s Original Name, FaceMash, for Sale – October 10, 2010
• Facebook: Social Media by Numbers – February 8, 2010

Skinbook: The Nude Social Network originally appeared on: Crenk
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