These days, Facebook is for all – no matter your demographic

An intervention may be necessary; I believe I am a Facebook addict. I find myself checking my account in the morning before I do anything else.

Television is no longer a part of my life — it is only background noise as I seemingly stalk my friends and family I have connected to over the last four years in this social spider web. The 300 million-plus Facebook members spend more than 8 billion minutes a day on the site, and I am no different.

Facebook truly has become a part of the modern social life. It is as much a part of my socializing as going to work or going out to a party or concert. I think many users would agree.

People have grown so accustomed to the social network, it has become the platform for sharing the personal and exciting moments of our lives. Just this week, I was excited to learn two longtime friends of mine had gotten engaged after years of dating. Thanks to Facebook, they could quickly disseminate their announcement and I and other friends could quickly congratulate them.

Also this week, I was able to follow the birth of a new baby coming into the world at 3:52 p.m. on Thursday at 7 pounds, 11 ounces.

Five years ago, when a Harvard sophomore started the Web site after drinking over a breakup, who would have ever thought people would use the network to share the personal triumphs? It truly is amazing to have the ability to keep in touch with friends and family in such a broad-sweeping, quick way.

This week, after dinner in the Main Street window of Frost Café, some friends and I began to discuss if you could be too old to use Facebook. The question had its roots in fear more than it did curiosity or social judgment. The social network is now so ingrained in our lives, I believe we are scared to lose it.

Nonetheless, to answer the question, I think the social norm now allows for Facebook use for all ages. Two years ago I would have said otherwise, but now people of all ages are staying connected using the Web site. In fact, Facebook’s fastest-growing demographic is the 35-and-over age group.

I myself keep in touch with many colleagues, friends and community members in this demographic using Facebook. I never thought I would say that, but now it is little different than waving to some one on the other side of the street.

Facebook’s future is bright. Some pundits say this behemoth social group will die out over time. I beg to differ.

People love people. Whether it’s talking via wall posts or messages or following what people are doing via live feeds and status updates — people enjoy other people.

Facebook has had its share of bad publicity involving crazy moms, cyber-bullying and lawsuits, but the social network’s benefits far outweigh all of these. The possibilities are endless. Australia’s court system now uses Facebook to serve subpoenas and summons.

Whether it’s keeping in touch with old friends and family, sharing how your day went or announcing an exciting, life-changing event, Facebook is part of many people’s social life.

Richardson’s column runs each Wednesday. He is a teacher at Floyd T. Binns Middle School.