A midnight thought about Facebook stalking

What is it about being on a computer late at night that is so mesmerizing? I work at a computer all day. You'd think I'd stay far away, but the truth is I can hardly pull myself away. And now that I've started this you can be certain I'll finish it.

Facebook. That strangely addicting, wonderful and sometimes hurtful tool. It's like a, I don't know what to call it, a phone book with pictures and life updates that people choose to share. I love it because it's so easy to find out what my friends are up to- one click and I'm there. Wondering whatever happened to that girl or guy from high school? Chances are, they're on FB, and it takes me all of 30 seconds to scan their profile for any life-changing events. Where they're working, going to college, living. Engagements. Marriages. For a few (so far), the births of their first children. Even less important (aka non-life milestone) things: a funny status or picture. A clever comment. A shout-out to a friend. How they are.

Do I Facebook stalk? Depends on what you mean by stalk. Defining "stalk" as the act of trying to find more information about someone without their knowledge, I suppose I do, although I would point out I don't care if people know I'm looking at their profile, as long as I'm not being creepy about it. I don't sneak around when I "stalk" (definition one). Defining it as obsessively trying to find more information about someone without their knowledge, I do not. I have a problem with the second breed of stalkers, but I do like having a connection to all the people I've met in my life that I care about what happens to them, but don't necessarily have a way to contact them.

I believe that is all I wanted to say. I don't feel like staying on to think of a neat little conclusion. Any minute now I'll start rambling about a lot of boring stuff you probably don't care about. Better to end the post raw than subject you to that. Happy Friday to all, and to all a good night. When I wake, it will still be Friday.