[upchuck]

Being on FB is no different than spending time on the computer being on Freerepublic...

Well, let's see...

FR doesn't track me

FR doesn't scan what I post (except for the all seeing mods, bless 'em :)

FR doesn't mine what I post

FR doesn't shove ads at me based on that mining

FR doesn't have privacy controls

FR doesn't, therefore, change the way the privacy controls work with out warning, exposing me

Finally, FR has and enforces pretty strict rules about members' behavior

What were you saying again about there being no difference between FB and FR?

[BushCountry]

Haa, haa... I searched one line of your post and it is already indexed in Google. I am always amazed at how fast Google (government) indexes the site. Indexed seconds after you posted.

FR doesn’t scan what I post (except for the all seeing mods, bless ‘em :)

[Fester Chugabrew]

Although FR is monitored so as to maintain like-minded banter, it is delusive to think one's posts are not subject to scrutiny by entities well-beyond it's perceived audience. You are spot on in highlighting the differences though. I've been on FB for a few years. It, along with the internet in general, is a social entity unlike any known by previous generations; can be intimidating. It is certainly no substitute for meeting and greeting one's neighbor in person, but, due to human eccentricities, it is a highly sensitive form of human interaction.

One thing I really appreciate about such forums is how they allow one to articulate ideas (or not) in words and pictures tweaked into expressions one could hardly accomplish through other means.

[murron]

The article was about those who use FB not having a social life outside of FB. That is the comparison, about the time spent using each, not all this other nonsense you just mentioned.