Welcome to a weekly segment called "Social Circle." It's truly a group effort between readers, social networkers and the OnMilwaukee.com editors. Every Monday, we ask a question via Facebook and Twitter and then post the responses from our Facebook "likers" and Twitter followers in this column. Well-known Milwaukee movers and shakers will contribute, too.
No doubt about it, Facebook has changed the way people communicate. People can "catch up" without taking the time to get together in person, which is good news for friends and family who live far away, but some believe it's also preventing friends living in the same city from getting together in person.
Others feel Facebook generates jealousy and feelings of "missing out" when users see "friends" doing things in their lives that they wish they, too, were able to do.
This week, OnMilwaukee.com asked the Social Circle if they found Facebook stressful. Many said they did, others said they did not and a few said it was fine as long as they were "offline" and not available for instant message chatting.
What do you think about Facebook?
Paul Kennedy: "Only when you pressure us with these damn questions."
Tammy Kolbe: "As long as I stay offline. I don't like others having the ability to 'corner' me."
Erin Shea Linnane: "I keep the chat off, too. Facebook does not stress me out and I am loving connecting with old friends and new. I hate talking on the phone and Facebook gives me the option of catching everybody up at once."
Hannah Medrow: "I make sure my 'chat' is offline, otherwise I feel way too available to people. Those little, instant chat messages are distracting, and frankly 'what I'm doing' is wasting time on Facebook, just like everyone else."
"Blaz E Ohla:" "It stresses me out. Especially recently! I don't think people are aware of the security issues and the information we throw out there until it's too late. Then, it becomes very stressful."
Sandy Oliver: "FB does stress me out! There are those you just want to tear down everything that is posted. Sometimes it's all too negative. Then there are the people who believe that Facebook posts can maintain a friendship – they can't. I love that I can see what people are up to, but real friendship takes time and energy and actual, real live talking and visiting."
Maria Raboin: "I'll admit it, stressed and sometimes a bit jealous. When Dave and I had just moved to Milwaukee and had no money, friends, etc., people doing well, going out with friends, having date nights stressed my ass out!"
Elizabeth Sampon: "Facebook only stresses me out when it doesn't work right and I need to get something for a client done. LOL. Online networking is, without a doubt, a blessing. I can "maintain" friendships throughout the day while I'm working like a madwoman. Then, even if I'm drained or have other things to take care of, I still got to experience some sort of social life."
Timothy Sket: "Yes, because people post dumb stuff. And I miss Milwaukee."
