I’ve been on Facebook a few years, but I was a bit hesitant because I spend so much time on the computer for work that I feared that I would start to live my entire life in a “virtual environment”.  I also have to admit that my primary objective was seeking a way to connect with franchisees in order to support them in their social media efforts.

But then I started to engage with former colleagues, classmates, childhood friends, and friends who now live far away.  Now that I’m an active Facebook user, I noticed how much I enjoy the “positive affirmations” from the Facebook postings.  Although we all have days in which things just don’t seem to go right, we tend to post things that are the highlights of our day and not the petty and mundane issues each of us face on a day to day basis.  It’s also fun to see all of the wonderful things my friends are doing — special vacations, graduations, weddings, births, and so much more, as well as support them when they have a loss of a loved one, pet or are faced with health issues.

My experiences seem to be right in line with the research by the PEW Internet and American Life Project.  Their research shows that Facebook users……….

• Are more trusting than others
• Have more close relationships
• Get more social support
•  Are much more politically engaged

The report also confirms that Facebook revives dormant relationships.  The average Facebook user has 229 Facebook friends, and the friends list contains:

• 22% people from high school
• 12% extended family
• 10% coworkers
• 9% college friends
• 8% immediate family
• 7% people from voluntary groups
• 2% neighbors

So the next time you’re feeling a bit blue or disconnected, just login and connect with your social community.