[rock_hard]

I personally couldn’t disagree more.

If you cut me off tomorrow of Facebook and Messeneger I would instantly loose contact to the majority of people I care about (except my wife and parents).

I would end up spending life on my couch watching Netflix instead of engaging in a rich social life I have now thanks to FB events, groups, Messeneger, etc.

And I guarantee you that’s true for a large amount of the user base! Otherwise they wouldn’t retain.

(Fake) news and cat videos are a very hyped topic...but it’s really only a small part of why people actually use FB

[jsemrau]

That sounds really sad, to be honest. Where are you living that you can't have face to face interactions on a regular basis.

[wastedhours]

Adding passing acquaintances on Facebook has actually made them developing into real friends more likely by my anecdotal reckoning, as they're at the top of mind my when I see their updates and I remember to check in.

And my partner being friends with my mum on there has actually helped both out with subsequent interactions as they know more about their common ground.

Facebook, ultimately, is what you make it. There's loads of "racist uncles", "fake news", "Tasty videos" etc, but if you engage with the people, it's as powerful as ever.

[dagw]

Making new real friends as an adult in an entirely new place is really hard for many people in many places (including me), and hanging out with vague acquaintances doesn't hold much interest.

[speedplane]

Totally agree that it's challenging to make new friends as an adult. I feel lucky if I make one new real friend every two years. But just cause it's hard doesn't make it impossible, and it's far more rewarding than internet-only friends... you can actually do things together, not just talk.

[skc]

It's not sad, it's just different.

Culture has always changed with time.

[miranda_rights]

> Where are you living that you can't have face to face interactions on a regular basis.

Far from many of my friends and family? Many of them live in other states or countries, and Facebook is cheaper and usefully async when dealing with international calling rates and timezone differences, respectively. I'm not sure I understand your question.

[hkmurakami]

Many of them are abroad.

[gdulli]

People had social lives before Facebook. (source: I'm old enough to remember.)

[rock_hard]

Oh, I am old enough (40) to remember too...I am in fact old enough to know that I am much better of with FB in my life...minor annoyances asides (but no product is perfect in the end)