abaya

I thought about that too, while I was writing the OP... but somehow, for me on TFP, it is the anonymity that is unique, and draws me in. I would feel like on the other sites, putting myself out there for so many thousands of people (at least on Facebook) would feel really weird. I like being anonymous in one place in my life.

However, I am definitely seeing more positive things from what you guys are saying. Thank you for sharing your own personal benefits, as it helps me see the bigger picture. I see that, contrary to TFP, many people who are members of these sites are only connected to those whom they know in real life first. That makes more sense to me, somehow, although I still don't think I'll join up anytime soon. My best friends don't really use the internet to stay in touch (other than e-mails)... none of us has websites, and we are more apt to pick up the phone to call each other every few weeks... so again, no need for it here.

I think I have just had some bad associations with these sites, again given that my friends use them for stalking, and that my whole department is cliqued up on these sites. I don't like the feeling that if you're not on these sites, then somehow you're not as cool (I do get that vibe a lot, as I said; "What? You're not on Facebook? What's wrong with you?")... and that pushes me away from it. I am also just really tired of hearing about people using the websites to stalk their significant others or exes... and that's why I started this thread. But I do see more of the positives, now. Thanks.

__________________
And think not you can direct the course of Love;
for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
--Khalil Gibran