Fakebook

I think it's fair to say that a lot of people have been hurt by Facebook, myself included.  One of Duncan's cousins deactivated her account after finding out about the birth of her niece through some random on Facebook she didn't even know!  Other people have been hurt by the way they have been 'ignored' in cyberspace, the way people use Facebook all the time but STILL don't keep in touch, or the fact that others seem content to waste time playing games yet say they are too busy for people.

I won't deny that the way people use Facebook has irritated me greatly, yet I'm still alive and kicking on the social media beast because if I didn't, hardly anyone would keep in touch!  That's just the way it is sadly.  Social media eases the burden of isolation somewhat.

Having said that, I still don't 'get' how people use Facebook.  The following has both annoyed and puzzled me.  Anyone care to explain?

• People who by their own words are 'private people' setting up Facebook accounts, and then complaining about how everyone is sharing stuff online.  Well, duh!  That's what it says on the screen when you get to the Facebook homepage - Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.  Why are people complaining about this when that is the nature of the beast?  If you don't like it, go elsewhere!  Although I've noticed that there are plenty of people on Facebook who hold their own cards very close to their chests, but are happy to lurk on other people's pages.
• People who accuse their Facebook friends of 'stalking' them for merely going to their page and having a look at their photos etc.  And, yes, some people are not joking when they accuse others of stalking.  Hello, why did you add/accept that person if you don't want them to see your page?
• People whose friends' lists fluctuate like yo-yos (yes, I notice these minute details).  I've noticed some people adding others, deleting them, then re-adding them.  Why delete them in the first place then?  It's not like you get charged for having more friends.
• People who put up a random photo of themselves such as a plant, their child, or their pet.  This makes it impossible to figure out whether they are the Bob Smith I knew from school, or one of the many others with that name.  If they don't want to be found, why sign up?
• People who set up blocks so they cannot be found when someone searches for them.  I'd understand if they had a real life stalker on their hands, but why make it impossible for long-lost friends to find them?
• People who sign up for Facebook to keep in touch with only one or two people, then get annoyed when they get added as a friend by lots of others.  Ummm, ever heard of Skype?
• People who add/accept you as a friend, but then alter the settings so you can only see some of their information or photos.  It should be the whole hog or nothing.  Why add/accept someone if you don't want them to see your stuff?  If you think they're dodgy, don't add/accept them in the first place.
• People who come up to you and tell you they have seen your Facebook page (well, mine is set to private, but they know I have a page), but still won't add you as a friend.  Why are you telling me you've seen my page unless you're going to add me?  Is it a hint for me to add them?  (Yes, I really have had a few people approach me in that way).
• People who write cryptic status updates, and then when people ask them to elaborate, they (almost irritably) say, "I can't say, it's a secret blah blah blah."  Well, if it's something private, don't put it on there if you're not prepared to share the rest of the story.  You can't blame people for asking about something you wrote publicly.  Why do they do this?  Attention-seeking perhaps?
• People who set up a joint Facebook account for themselves and their spouse/partner when it's clear that they will be the only one using the account, their other half has no interest in Facebook, and will not be contactable there.
• People who are quite content to chuck their major news on their status update when it takes two seconds to send a bulk email or text message to announce the news to good friends BEFORE telling the general public.  Have they just gotten lazy?  Putting it on a status leaves it open to less important people finding out before the more important ones.

What has astounded you about how people use Facebook?  What quirks have you come across?

I don't get it.  Please explain...