You shouldn't really try to sum up Facebook in a single sentence any more than you would do the same with the internet as a whole. The truth, of course, is much more nuanced than a short sentence permits.
For instance Facebook allows me to communicate with friends and family I wouldn't otherwise be able to communicate with (at least not as efficiently). I can't see that being bad. As a matter of fact it's something I derive a great sense of satisfaction and wellbeing from.
I wish people would stop kidding themselves that Facebook is the same as the Internet as a whole. Facebook is just one service you happen to use. Some of your friends happen to use it too. Please don't pretend that cutting it off would mean you couldnt communicate with your friends anymore. You and your friends are resourceful. You would find another way. The Internet is a big place with many pipes for you and your friends to use.
As a matter of fact I communicate with some people who I would almost certainly have no way of communicating with or, in fact, knowing if they are alive or dead.
(I moved a lot as a child)
I get your point that it's not the only solution to this problem. But it is currently the best choice, even if only because of the network effect.
>I wish people would stop kidding themselves that Facebook is the same as the Internet as a whole.
I never said that. That's ridiculous. I said it's complex enough that summing it up in a single dismissive sentence is probably disingenuous.
>Please don't pretend that cutting it off would mean you couldnt communicate with your friends anymore.
For instance Facebook allows me to communicate with friends and family I wouldn't otherwise be able to communicate with (at least not as efficiently). I can't see that being bad. As a matter of fact it's something I derive a great sense of satisfaction and wellbeing from.