Like many people, I’ve had a long, evolving relationship with Facebook. It’s no longer the place where I casually scroll through everyone’s life updates—but it hasn’t become useless either. Instead, it’s become something more specific: a curated tool that serves certain purposes really well while falling short in others.
Here’s how it works for me.
What Facebook Is Actually Useful For
1. Never Missing Birthdays (and Staying Thoughtful)
One of the most practical features is birthday reminders. I rely on them more than I’d like to admit. They give me a simple nudge to reach out, send a message, and stay connected—even when life gets busy. Without that reminder, I’d probably miss a lot of those moments.
2. A Hub for My Interests
Facebook has quietly become a content aggregator for things I care about:
- DIY ideas and projects, from plant-based cleaners to gardening tips, plus upcycling hacks and simple home improvements I can actually try
- Vegan articles and recipes, including quick weekday meals, nutrition insights, and new ingredient ideas to experiment with
- Hiking trails and outdoor inspiration, from local hidden gems to breathtaking national parks that fuel future trip ideas
- Science and the cosmos — Heisenberg, Dirac, Tyson — along with accessible explainers that make complex ideas feel intuitive
- Vedanta and philosophical reflections — Laszlo, Watts, the Vedanta Society, CMT — offering perspective on consciousness, meaning, and daily living
- Practical tips and life hacks, from yoga for my back pain to clever ways of handling everyday annoyances like persistent solicitors
- Cryptic crosswords — especially English-language cryptic puzzles that rely on wordplay rather than general knowledge, including favorites from Hindustan Times and The Hindu. Thanks to our Setters’ group of crossword aficionados!
- Promoting Sacramento Aradhana’s music, sharing performances, supporting the community, and staying connected to cultural roots
Instead of random browsing, I dip into Facebook when I’m in the mood to learn, explore, or get inspired.
3. Entertainment and Light Engagement
From word games to following musicians, and from comedy clips to bite-sized content, Facebook still offers small pockets of easy entertainment. It’s not deeply immersive, but it’s convenient and effortless to dip into—perfect for quick, casual breaks throughout the day. I catch bits from comedians like Nate Bargatze and Zarna Garg, come across meaningful Dalai Lama quotes, and occasionally listen to snippets of rock and roll.
4. Events and Tickets
This is one of its underrated strengths. Whether it’s local events, concerts, or gatherings, Facebook makes discovery and planning relatively seamless.
5. Marketplace Convenience
Buying locally through Marketplace is incredibly practical. It’s one of the few places where Facebook genuinely outperforms most alternatives. I’ve been able to find everything from cleaners and bartenders to gardening supplies—even a valet service—quickly and with a local, personal touch.
What Facebook Doesn’t Do Well (Anymore)
1. Seeing Friends’ Posts—Ironically
The biggest downside? I barely see posts from people I know.
Unless they’re close family or very close friends, their updates don’t show up because of my ‘unfollow’ settings. And even then, it’s inconsistent. Most of the time, I only see someone’s post if they tag me in a post or a photo.
It’s a strange shift—from a social network to something more algorithm-driven and selective.
2. A Narrowed Social Circle
3. Passive Consumption Over Real Connection
Because of how the feed works, my world on Facebook feels smaller than it actually is. I’m connected to many people, but I’m only aware of a handful.
Instead of conversations, it often becomes quiet consumption—scrolling through content rather than engaging meaningfully with people.
So, What Is Facebook to Me Now?
It’s not really a “social network” in the traditional sense anymore.
It’s:
- A reminder system
- A content hub for my interests
- A utility tool (events, marketplace)
- A light entertainment platform
But it’s not where I go to stay genuinely updated on people’s lives.
Final Thought
Facebook is still useful—but only if you accept what it has become.
If you expect it to keep you socially connected in a natural, organic way, it may disappoint you. But if you treat it as a personalized tool—something you use intentionally rather than passively—it still has real value.
For me, it’s not about constant connection, but about deliberate attention to what matters.