Why Facebook? Why should you start Facebooking?

Facebook and other social networking websites can be very confusing for those who have never used it. So if you are having friends and family request that you get on Facebook, but aren't sure why you should use Facebook, continue reading.

Why Facebook?

Facebook can be thought of as your home on the Internet. It's a place people can go to leave you a message, browse through your photo collections, or even chat with you while you are online. It can be a great way to keep in contact with friends and family, and even find long lost friends that you haven't spoken to in years.

The Facebook "wall" is where it all happens. This is where you write comments on what you are up to or share photos and articles with your friends. You'll also see what your friends and family are posting on their wall, and anyone on your friends list can come by and write a comment on your wall. So not only is the Facebook wall a great place to let everyone know you are back from vacation and post trip photos, it is also a place where conversations are started.

Facebook is your online photo album

In addition to keeping up with friends and family, Facebook is a great place to upload all of those family photos. Ordinarily, you'd have to whip out the photo album when people are over at the house, but uploading them to Facebook means the parents can look at their grandchildren anytime they want.

Facebook for fun, games and more

There is also a lot more to Facebooking than just post on your friend's wall. You can play online games like Mafia Wars whereby you will enlist the aid of your friends to knock off a bank or take down a gang leader. You can also use Facebook applications to map out who you are related to on Facebook and even chat with any friends and family that are online.

Facebook for business

You can also use Facebook to connect with co-workers and old co-workers to keep the workplace networking going. It's a fact that one of the best ways to find a new job is to be recommended by a friend, so keeping up with business contacts can be very important.

Facebook for finding old friends

Ever wonder whatever happened to your prom date? Or your best friend from middle school? With more and more people joining Facebook, it is becoming a great place to look up old friends and getting back in touch.

Remember to start slow

Now that you know what all you can do with Facebook, the trick is to not become overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. Start slow by sending friend requests to your friends and family and reading what's up on their wall. Once you get accustomed to the interface, you can expand your use to uploading photo albums, and from there, begin experimenting with some of the neat Facebook applications.