Facebook learning

Lifestyle/Technology | Some tips for those who want to know more about "social utility" | Susan Olasky

Illustration by Krieg Barrie

If you're older than 40 you may still be trying to figure out the difference between Facebook and Linkedin and why you should care. Here is a brief newby guide to Facebook.

First the basics: Facebook is a "social utility" site, with more than 150 million active users—more than two-thirds of those live outside the United States. Although it was originally designed for college students, more than half of users are outside of college. The fastest growing segment is made up of those over 30 years old.

You've heard the expression "You're not the center of the universe," but on Facebook you are. When you join, you set up a profile containing information about you, including your favorite music, TV shows, and books—if you want to include those things. Then you assemble a network of "friends," people who are important to you in some way only you can decide. The easiest way to find friends is to let Facebook scan your email address book, searching for contacts who are also members. You can invite them to be friends.