It wasn’t too long ago when Thelma, my editor, asked me why I wasn’t on Facebook. I guess it was her way of saying I better be, and I certainly hopped to it.

 

Well, Facebook is certainly rich with column material. But, until I got that gentle shove just over a year ago, I didn’t know what I was missing.

 

Right in my phone is the source of all kinds of information, useful or not, and live entertainment featuring new and old and even dead artists, inaccessible otherwise, among other things. It’s a great way to connect with people I’ve lost touch with or never been in touch with or never known.

 

It, too, has its drawbacks. Only recently I was made aware through the testimony of Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook himself, that by just pressing “like” I was giving away so much of myself, which could be used to other people’s advantage.

 

Well, that’s the yet unquantified price to pay.

 

Still, the advantages outweigh the risks. I can’t imagine ever getting off Facebook now.

 

For seniors particularly, it could be exactly what they need to pass the time productively, by getting engaged in current social issues, joining debates, and contributing wisdom and sharing experiences and memories.

 

Indeed, there’s a number of seniors I know to have discovered the joys of Facebook on their own or who, like me, have had to be prodded by someone else. Here are some:

 

Annabel Wisniewski: I began using Facebook, around 2011, I think, to look and feel like I was keeping up with the times. I started reading others’ posts and looking at pictures out of curiosity. Somehow, several long-lost friends found me and reconnected.

 

Then I began communicating with immediate family and friends. I find it very useful in staying in touch and as a regular source of receiving and sending information, news and opinions. It keeps me busy and productive inside the car while stuck in traffic.

 

Hooked? I can’t live without my phone. I’ve stopped using my iPad and laptop, too.

Annabel Jayne Lichaytoo: Facebook is one of the most amazing things that’s ever happened to us. It’s a great social-media platform for both personal and business communication. Unless there is something else that can offer more, I don’t think I will leave this one.

Blanche Gallardo: I use Facebook mainly to keep in touch with friends. I can’t remember how I got started—must have been through friends. I used to be more vocal about local politics, but now I’m being more circumspect.

 

Jun Alvendia: I use Facebook mostly for social greetings, and for family and personal updates. I find myself reacting and sharing posts on current affairs on different fields: principally politics, religion, and health. Sometimes I praise a post, sometimes I condemn it.

 

I enjoy nostalgic posts on items of interest, like art, music, food, plants. I keep up with senior health concerns—how to cope or avoid certain conditions.

 

I use it to keep in touch with classmates with whom I exchange political opinions.

 

As much as I enjoy it, I believe I could leave Facebook any time.

Letty Laurel: My husband, Cario, is not into Facebook at all, but I am. I joined only because I wanted copies of photos my kids would post. You could say I was coerced into getting on.

 

Initially I was just a “stalker”; later I discovered useful posts like tips on life, households, etc., and old movies and ballets, which I’ve always enjoyed.

 

For now I’m a bit tired of too many uninteresting non-news. The most I do is press “like” and share the good posts; I very rarely bother to comment.

Susan Macuja: My daughter, Gia, convinced me to join Facebook to connect with her in London, where she resides. I joined in 2013. The sharing of info, photos, and the latest events, especially from family, is what makes me happy. I can see right away family activities even if I’m too far to be part of it.

 

But lately, because of what’s happening in our government, I also enjoy sharing all the palpak news I see regarding this government; I get so angry sometimes.

 

I make sure I spend only one hour a day on FB, and not straight, but broken into a few minutes at a time. I don’t see myself leaving FB, but, if needed, I can always unfollow or unfriend.

Yoli Celdran: I’ve been on FB on a limited basis for about three years now. I found it to be a convenient means to be connected to family and friends. I use it mainly to keep updated on current events, mainstream media, what our present-day leaders are up to as well as people around us. It helps me make better decisions.

 

I like to comment when I feel I should or when people and situations need some motivation or encouragement. I am always inclined to correct fake news, especially. I follow current events and posts by PAB (Pinoy Ako Blog by Jover Laurio).

 

If I leave FB, maybe my life might even be more peaceful but I have no such plans at the moment. –CHIT ROCES-SANTOS