FB Who?

This morning, I had close to 700 “friends” on FB. 700! Do I really know that many people?

It’s mind boggling to think that 700 people (most whom I haven’t laid eyes on for 25+ years) are able to sift through photos of my family, note the places I go, and know the “real” names of my children and thoughts that I have make public. When I look through my feed, I see the select few who are actually posting. In my notifications, the same folks add commentary to my stuff. Then there’s the rest.

I peruse through the list, stop at names and think “Who is this person?” But the better question is: Why are they in my friends list at all? How did they get there?

Sure, they may have been the most popular guy in high school, but who are they today? They could be a mass-murderer for all I know. I don’t actually know them anymore. As for the doctors, lawyers, and celebrity runners or musicians, I know their name but not much more. Why do I give them access to my everything when there is no interaction anyhow?

In fact, even some of my family and co-workers sit idle in my FB feed. I’m not sure I want any of these people knowing so much about me when they aren’t willing to share just a little with me.

Gosh, maybe these folks post all the time but have me on their Privacy Block List. Who knows. I’m sure I could do the same, but honestly, I haven’t the time or energy for that.

You can probably guess where this is going. I’m purging. I’m already down to under 600 “friends.”

If someone happens to be on my “friends list” and cannot remember any interaction with them within the social network, I’m going to question our so-called friendship. As I see it, if I un-friend them, it will probably be a long time before they even notice – if you do at all. And if they happen to be lurking behind the scenes, well then maybe they’ll get the message.

It’s called a “social” network for a reason; within my network, socializing is required. How many FB I-don’t-know-you’s do you have in your social network?