Facebook Rules

In the era of social networking, have you ever thought about how your chosen networking site gives away your age? If you have a Bebo account, then you must be a teenager. If you use Facebook to inform your friends of your mood, activities and photos then you are almost definitely in the 17 - 30 age range. Finally, if you still keep up your Friends Reunited profile, then move-over and accept that middle age is fast approaching, if not already a reality.

The boom of social networking over recent months and years is continuing, and today, life in London for a 20-something revolves around Facebook more than it ever has. My friends don't email any more, they post on my wall. They don't look at the expression on my face, they just check my status. They don't send me a birthday card, they just send me a 'gift' online.

For all its sins, social networking offers wonderful entertainment opportunities for the nosy amongst us. How many of you can admit to not checking out the profile of an old friend.... a colleague.... an ex?


Despite this, I think it's time that people stopped networking online and remembered how to conduct a conversation face-to face. Goodness knows what will happen next.... anonymous blogs? What a disgrace.