All the political pundits seem to be apoplectic about the fact that Facebook says they may have to charge customers for a site where they are not inundated with advertisements.  Really?  How do they think Facebook makes money?  Most free apps include ads and that is just something you either deal with or pay to upgrade.  I see absolutely nothing wrong with that.  I, for one, am not a huge fan of Facebook and use it rarely.  Having said that, I do think it is a good platform for families and friends to share pictures and news.

My biggest problem with Facebook, texting, and other social media is that people don’t seem to communicate directly anymore–I mean actually talking and having full conversations.  You walk down the street and people are so busy looking down at devices that they are missing everything going on around them.  I’ve been to restaurants and seen several people at the same table, paying attention to the device in their hands rather than to each other. Our youth communicate with abbreviations and phrases rather than sentences.  Is this good?  And, as the cartoon shows–what is more important – life in front of you or the Facebook story you tell?

I’ve seen news stories that some Facebook and other social media executives don’t allow their own children to use these platforms so it makes you wonder.  The extent to which our youth depend on these devices can be scary.  And, what is so important that you need to look at your phone while you are driving?  What kind of example does that set?