subject: Should You Sign Up For Facebook Just Because You Can? [print this page] Should You Sign Up For Facebook Just Because You Can?
With its explosive growth rate, the social network called Facebook sign up millions of people every month. And many of them, especially if they are new to the Web, don't know how to get a Facebook account set up. Many want to know how to sign up to Facebook.
Well, it's easy. Just 3 simple steps.
1. Type 'Facebook.com' into your web browser address bar.
2. You'll see a "Sign Up" form on the right side of the homepage. Type your name, email address, gender, a password of your choice and your birthday into the appropriate boxes and click the green SIGN UP button.
3. You will be asked to verify your application by typing in the protection check term on the next screen. It's also a good idea to go through the 'terms of service' and 'privacy policy' sections to make sure you are comfortable with them and can comply.
That's all it takes for a Facebook sign up. But wait, there's more! The real issue is whether you should get an account simply because you can and it is easy.
You'd be well advised to learn a little more about what it means to sign up for a Facebook account. There are nuances and pitfalls to guard against, rabbit-holes you could wander into and waste hours of precious time - and even some very real dangers and risks.
How to know if you need a Facebook sign up?
Facebook has grown exponentially to rival mighty Google in website traffic and unique visitors. 500 million people use Facebook. But that alone doesn't mean you need to sign up. So what will help you make the decision?
If you are a business owner or run a non-profit, I would say yes.
If you are constantly generating leads for selling products or service, Facebook offers many opportunities.
If you love the thought of connecting with friends from school, college or work even from remote locations, where you can interact and share, then Facebook could be valuable to you.
In other words, if you need a social networking solution for business or personal reasons, Facebook is indispensible. The site is structured and designed to make interaction easy, convenient and fun.
But beware the seduction of Facebook.
Not knowing better (or caring about it), many Facebook users reveal personal information on the social network that sometimes leads to ruinous consequences. Broken relationships, revealed secrets and rants against bosses, teachers or parents have surfaced unexpectedly on the network - only to be seen by the wrong person.
While engaging on this huge social networking site, it is wise to bear in mind this sage advise: "Don't post ANYTHING online that you would not feel comfortable seeing pasted on the wall of a public toilet!"
The extensive human network that interacts on Facebook naturally places you in close proximity with diverse personalities. Not all of them are nice, happy, or even sane. Understand that you are taking your chances. Be guarded and cautious about sharing personal and intimate details on the world's largest social networking website.
A variable that increases the complexity is that Facebook frequently changes its privacy policies. This often leads to surprising, unanticipated and painfully embarrassing situations. Imagine seeing a confidential note you shared with a close personal friend suddenly popping up on the 'Wall' of hundreds of THEIR friends - because Facebook shifted the default privacy settings!
This has happened more than once... so be prepared for it to happen again. And decide about whether or not the benefits of a Facebook sign up make up for these risks and hazards. The watchword is to be cautious and circumspect as you navigate the exciting but dangerous waters of social networking online.
