Facebook - friend?

If anyone out there feels bereft at the lack of updates to this blog over the past nine days, shame on you. But hey, an apology is also due. I realised I needed to do some stuff in the real world instead of prattling on here, and then my scheduled blogging time on Friday evening (not to mention a substantial part of Saturday morning) was spent trying to remove a ton of malware from the PC.

Now it may be coincidence but this nasty stuff appeared on the computer just after Sarah joined Facebook and started playing the various games and quizzes contained therein. I should mention I also signed up but have spent hardly any time on there at all. Even leaving aside the possibility that it was the source of our infection, I haven't honestly been that impressed with Facebook. There are some neat features but I don't really want a virtual flower bed, virtual drinks or to have my cyber werewolf served a bowl of pain by a Sinister Vampire attack. (Yes, that's something you really can do, if you for some reason want to.)

Perhaps more than that, the definition of friendship is being stretched. Here's a quote from another Facebook user: "How come I have 233 friends but only two birthday cards?" That's Mark, a "friend" of mine who I've seen probably twice in four years. Another friend (who I haven't seen for even longer but do at least e-mail regularly and phone once in a while, and whose identity I shall protect) remarked: "X added me as a friend but I strongly hesitate to contact him as he never ever replies." Facebook invites a policy of claiming as friends people who in the real world should be considered acquaintances at best. It seems to be a badge of honour to have as many Facebook friends as possible - that's the only reason I can think of for my being contacted by people who I used to bump into a dozen years ago and with the best will in the world am never likely to see again. Since when has friendship been a competition?

I'm wondering how you decide whether someone is a friend or not. Perhaps someone you would send a birthday card (see above). Well on Facebook you can see all your friends' birthdays and send a message, with no effort expended at all. Good or bad thing?

Disclaimer: I have fewer friends than Sarah both on Facebook and in real life - so you may judge I'm just bitter.

Andrew's money-saving tips #5: Don't buy birthday cards and presents for your friends, just sign up to Facebook.