Ionrock Dot Org

A friend from my old job sent a friend request to me on Facebook . This was a kind gesture that presented a slightly odd situation. You see, I've never really used Facebook and only have an account because of a one time plan to build a Facebook application. The awkwardness is when a friend does try to give me a friend request. I could go along and accept, but that sends the wrong message, namely that I pay any attention to Facebook. If I ignore it, then I look like I'm a jerk for not accepting the friend request. I can't win for losing!

Fortunately, none of my friends really use Facebook, so it is really not a big deal. When I do get an occasional friend request, it is either spam or a friend of a friend, in which case I go ahead and accept it (if I remember my password of course). While it doesn't really affect me, I could see this sort of "cyber shunning" become more of an issue in the future. Caller ID had a similar affect in that it opened the door for accusations people were screening calls, which in turn made people wonder if the person they called simply was not interested in talking to them. I could see this sort of situation become more stressful with kids, but I also think kids should stay the heck off of social networks. Either way, I'm glad my own social circles and mediums are a bit more tame in terms of expectations. If I don't say hello on IRC or Jabber, it is nothing personal.