HOWEVER - I have enjoyed it. I don't spend hours there, but it has helped several of us friends from high school reconnect and even have meals together - and you have to understand that I lived in a town where you might start kindergarten with someone and graduate from high school with them, still in the same class. As a matter of fact, that was the rule, not the exception.
I'm also my 17 y.o'.s friend, have to approve her friends, and have her password. And yes, I read her mail.
Since my ‘kids’ are well into their 20’s, I don’t have control over their Facebook (or any other) activity. If I did’t raise ‘em right, by this age, it’s my bad. At 17, I’d have exercised your level of control.
I joined last Fall because of a contemporary... it was the only way I could see pix she took at a Palin rally. Other than that I’ve stayed pretty apolitical there.
Like you, it’s helped me connect with old friends, and it’s a very easy way to keep in touch.
When my ‘kids’ and various nieces/nephews/friends of kids found out months later that I had an account, THEY asked ME to ‘friend’ them ... I made it a policy that I would not ask younger people. So far, it’s worked well and I enjoy seeing what they are doing, seeing their pix, etc. Occasionally I get a sweet note or ‘gift’ from the kids and their friends.
I joined Facbook when I got an invitation to join a group there for a performing group that plays in teh area whose leader is a friend of ours. Well, I’ve reconnected with numerous high school and college friends (and I’m not going to say how many years ago that was.) I’e also connected with a lot of conservatives and conservative groups there, including conservative activists. it’s become a source of information as well as entertainment.
I love it. My kids are all grown, and 2 of them live in other states. They post pictures of themselves and the grandkids, which I look forward to seeing. Plus there are some cool games to play. It’s fun. And I don’t think my kids mind my being on it with them.