Why do people use Facebook?

United States
June 28, 2012 7:28am CST
It just occurred to me,with sites like MyLot, Hubpages, and Redgage that pay you for your participation, why do so many people flock to Facebook to do their social networking. It seems to me they are making Facebook rich and not getting any rewards out of the deal. Not only that but if you try to get a person to try MyLot they show such resistance, but yet they go commenting away on Facebook for free. It seems so stupid to me. Can someone shed some light on this mystery.
3 people like this
25 responses
@alutka (211)
28 Jun 12
I think many people using FB doing it just because others do it, or if you are using it to my friend and I can zaczne.Tworzy August chain, and then hear from like this is so cool.
• United States
28 Jun 12
Yes it is a band wagon fad for sure. Thats why I know in a short time Facebook will be another abandoned web site.
• United States
2 Jul 12
You are so right about that, but MySpace is a great example of that happening.
• United States
29 Jun 12
The day facebook becomes abandoned will be a sad day indeed for all those who bought shares in the company.
@ivade0000 (225)
• France
28 Jun 12
Hello there, Well, I think it is because mylot is not as famous as facebook. Just like my case here, I have never heard of mylot before in my whole life up until yesterday night before I signed it up. The second reason will be the lagging system of Redgage. I have been there for around 3 months now but it is so lag that I don't even bother to log in anymore. I can't even upload a photo properly, imagine how can you communicate with other people although they do pay you? I just got frustrated and signed out immediately the moment i experienced the lagging system.
• United States
28 Jun 12
Redgage has been having some issues, but I find that just posting my links up there rewards me more than Facebook ever has. I remember I posted pictures of my twins on Facebook on my friends and family page and they were so busy spreading cyber garbage I got not one comment on my twins. I posted the same picture on Redgage and had a lot of people say nice things.
• United States
28 Jun 12
Have you tried using it for blogging. I wrote a couple of articles that recieved bonuses for being featured. I love to use it for my opininion writing.
• France
28 Jun 12
Yup, I sure agree with you that people on Redgage are much more friendly and we used to comment on the pictures of other people. For me, I only use it to build back links to my blog and website, nothing more. Uploading videos or pictures there takes a lot of time and it is not worth for it.
@funnysis (2619)
• United States
2 Jul 12
I use facebook to stay in touch with my family.I see all kinds of stuff on there as well that would make good topics here but I think people do it out of habit and the ease of being able to go back and see what they wrote about.Have a wonderful day.
@funnysis (2619)
• United States
5 Aug 12
That would be great if you can get all your friends to switch, you would think making some extra cash would be an incentive.I wish you well and have a great day.
• United States
2 Jul 12
Habit is one of the reasons I check back every now and then, but Id rather have all my people on a paid site. LOL
@dainy1313 (2370)
• Leon, Mexico
29 Jun 12
Some people loves fb because they love to be snooping on other´s life. Other people just need company because they feel fricking alone, as my cousin that moved 2000 kms far away from her mother and her family. My kids love the fb games, which they play with their schoolmates, or with their aunts and cousins that are 300 kms from here. Blessings Philly!... Dainy
@dainy1313 (2370)
• Leon, Mexico
2 Jul 12
The fact is that I´m happy far away from many people, and for me is enough fb. I do not enjoy being with the sisters of my husband (scly), and my fathers lives with a ........ that´s two years younger than me, 15 years ago for now a days. So I rather prefer fb than personal meeting. I sorry for telling this true, but it`s the true. And my cousin has no option, though, rather than nothing, she is always on fb.
• United States
2 Jul 12
The fact is Facebook can't replace actually spending time with your family. I've learned this as I miss my older boys when I cant see them. Facebook does not help at all.
@sishy7 (27169)
• Australia
28 Jun 12
I am one in the minority of those who do not have a Facebook account. I've just never been attracted to it despite almost everyone I know do Facebook. And when I discovered myLot, I became addicted to it and still not interested with Facebook.
@lazerm (478)
• United States
28 Jun 12
I like Mylot, but Facebook has BILLIONS of users; Mylot 200 thousand,no contest. Mylot isn't Facebook and doesn't try to be.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Jun 12
That to me is sensible. I think we should all try to make Facebook obsolete one day.
1 person likes this
@sishy7 (27169)
• Australia
29 Jun 12
And I am happy that it isn't. The minute myLot becomes Facebook, I'll be the first to leave.
@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
28 Jun 12
I use Facebook a lot. I play a lot of the games on there but I also use it to connect with family and friends. I don't know if you are familiar with the geography of Canada but I live in Ontario and my kids live in New Brunswick. I like seeing their pics on Facebook, something that I wouldn't be able to do otherwise. I also live a 5 hour drive from my siblings and my mother, so keep in contact that way as well. Although I do phone them, it is not always possible. On FB I can leave a message and they will see it. I also use FB to contact some of the girls at work if I don't have their phone numbers regarding shift changes, giveaways, etc. I work with over 200 other PSW's and don't have all of their numbers so it is sometimes easier to contact them on FB to see if they want to switch a shift. I totally agree with you though, that posting or having discussions on FB is kind of a waste when you can get paid for doing the same thing on other sites. I, like you, do not understand the reluctance of some people to join sites like mylot. I see some of my friends on FB that love to chat or get involved in discussions, yet when I mention mylot they shy away from it. Is it because they are leery of a site that actually pays money? Maybe they don't trust it?
• United States
28 Jun 12
Its all brain washing Suebee. People are told all kinds of nightmare stories and theyd rather listen to the propaganda than a trusted friend.
@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
29 Jun 12
I think you're right. People hear ONE story of how someone had a bad experience and they become paranoid about privacy, security etc and don't trust the sites. Even though though they could hear 100's of stories of positive experiences, they tend to believe that one negative one and steer clear.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
1 Jul 12
Hi! You see you have a very interesting point to make but you would agree that both sites are different. Moreover, everyone is not interested in 'discussions' and more so in 'earnings'. There are many who just enjoy uploading their pictures/videos on FB and love to read comments and post their comments. FB is also a way to connect with distant friends and relatives, which is not easily possible on mylot. In my view in nutshell it is easier for anyone to become a member on FB but here on mylot etc. s/he needs to apply his/her mind to respond to discussions and write a new discussion.
• United States
2 Jul 12
MyLot wasnt the only site that I mentioned. You want to upload pictures try Triond or RedGage. You want to play games, try Pogo Games. You want to keep in touch with family, RedGage is very useful for that. There are plenty of sites that pay for what people do on Facebook for free.
@SinfulRose (3527)
• Davao, Philippines
28 Jun 12
Most of my classmates and friends thinks that sites that really pays you money are not real. They are very skeptic because people very often destroy a site's reputation by spreading false reviews and stuff that causes a site to shutdown. They are so used to the negative and pessimistic reactions that the thought of making money online is just a myth. They prefer working and seeing their employers' faces to ensure that their work will not be not profitable.
• United States
28 Jun 12
Thats not a very good reason to work for free though. Just because you doubt something works. If there is a chance you can get paid for doing something you do for free why not try it. I wrote almost a thousand poems on MySpace till I discovered sites that would pay me to publish my poetry.
• Davao, Philippines
29 Jun 12
Believe me when I say that I know how you feel. It's just that they are too blind to see a good opportunity or they just sit down there and let an opportunity pass by. I often thought that people like them really don't know how to see an opportunity. You see most people don't have the good eye to see wonderful things until someone tells them that these things are popular. So instead of saying they are blind to opportunity, I call them those people that wants to go with what is very popular.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
2 Jul 12
First of all, I have to say that I don't think that everything in life has to revolve around making money. I use facebook and I honestly do enjoy the time that I spend there. The reason that I use facebook is because of the fact that I have a lot of friends that are members on facebook and I think that if they and I were not members of facebook, then there is a good chance that we would have lost touch with each other somewhere along the line.
• United States
2 Jul 12
Facebook will never replace spending time with friends and family. If anything Facebook is the reason why friends and family don't get together more often. As far as everything revolving around money. I happen to know a lot of writers who want to earn a living, but they continue to give their work away for free in hopes of getting discovered. Meanwhile I am earning passive income for my writing and it increases every month.
@davaome (1826)
• Philippines
7 Jul 12
Some reasons why.... 1, because of the popularity of the site. Known worldwide, you get the picture 2, people don't really know about this kind of site. Sites which pays you. 3, with connection with 2, even if they knew about it from other people, they are already satisfied with what they have on Facebook, so they don't need another social media to do so. 4, they say change is the the only thing constant in this world, but with regards to that, not a lot of people like change, if they are happy with what they have, they just keep doing their usual routine. for now that's all I could think of happy myLotting
• United States
7 Jul 12
I agree, Facebook has done an impressive job of brainwashing people into thinking they are the only site out there, but like all things their popularity will end too.
• Indonesia
29 Jun 12
it's because facebook can post any word with out restriction, or guide lines, and many people think why they must try hard for a peny if they can get buck from their real work, so that why many people still use face book.
• United States
2 Jul 12
Actually there are a list of things you cant post on Facebook. Try saying something offensive to someone and see how fast you will get flagged. People are under the illusion it cant happen, but it sure can.
• Canada
29 Jun 12
I wish I could shed some light. It has never made sense to me either. I hardly ever use facebook and I am fine with that. I find that there are too many people out there using it for the wrong reasons. Even potential employers are now looking at your facebook to see what type of lifestyle you lead. To me, that is breaking your privacy, but at the same time, you gave it up when you joined facebook and didnt set your privacy settings correctly!!
• United States
2 Jul 12
It doesn't help when Facebook is constantly changing the site and changing your privacy along with it. I think it is a serious violation of privacy on an employers part, and one day a big lawsuit is going to come of it.
• India
29 Jun 12
Facebook is the easiet way to stay in touch with frineds that they see on a regular basis or perhaps do not see as often as they would like to.It works only because there are so many members for who you would be looking for or trying to get some acquaintances atleast.There wouldn't be much point joining if you were the only member, as you need to have other people you can add you as a friend and stay in contact with.
• United States
2 Jul 12
To be honest, the telephone is the easiest way to contact friends and family. A simple phone call can replace dozens of messages on Facebook. A photo can be shared on a cell phone as fast as its taken.
• Philippines
29 Jun 12
Well, being facebook is fun. Its simple as that,there are a lot of games to choose from. applications that soothes your interest. and plus facebook is famous, almost everyone has one. due to this, other people is also encourage to have one.
• United States
2 Jul 12
I really don't find Facebook fun at all. I think the fad will die down soon as well. I happen to know a few sites you can get paid for playing games. Ever hear of Pogo games. Try it out.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
29 Jun 12
Honestly facebook has something mylot and other paying sites don't. They have video games, they also have the ability to share as many photos as you wish. You can chat with friends via instant message, and it's a place to be personal. Even if ideally, say all my facebook friends came here and was a referral under me, there are some things I'd rather keep quiet, and facebook is much easier to do that on. A lot of people find it hard to believe you can earn online. Trust me, I've told many friends about this site and it's a no go for them.
• India
29 Jun 12
Freedom, this is the one of the reason why people are addicted and attracted to it. The users are allowed to do what ever they need. The users can go to any extend to find the fun and more over there is no restrictions. The ability to add and share vedio is the one of the reason why people gets attracted. Finally, they have a lot of friends and families over there and this is the one of the main reason why all of the people use it .
• United States
2 Jul 12
Media sharing is not something that is exclusive to Facebook. I think your second point is probably the real reason. Its all about jumping on the band wagon.
• Pakistan
28 Jun 12
I think that facebook is really wastage of time.People want to chat make friends should is say girl friends, because the bad guys are their.You can upload a bad video.Some people use it to interact with their stars.In my opinion if you want to share your thoughts why not make money sharing your thoughts?As i can not cash otu money from mylot because i am from Pakistan and Paypal doesn't allow Pakistan.But i hope that mylot can add other payment methods and also i can get answers of my questions like if i am having trouble in any activity on net and want help.i can get it from mylot community e.g. how to make blogspot using blogger.Therefore, Why not use mylot why Facebook?
• United States
28 Jun 12
Another thing about Facebook, is everybody wants to post all kinds of junk on there so if someone does say something useful. I have to go searching for it in a million files of jMylot is more straightforward this way.
• United States
29 Jun 12
I would probably say that since all your friends use facebook, it makes sense to join something which is already there than have all your friends move to a new social networking site. Also facebook has many apps and games which make the experience much more enjoyable.
• United States
2 Jul 12
I for one really dont enjoy Facebook like that. I have a bunch of people who I hardly ever talk to, and honestly a great discussion is what Id prefer over apps and games. A person can only play with himself for only so long.
• India
28 Jun 12
They go on it because they want to tell random strangers from across the world where they lived so that these strangers can stalk them !!!
• United States
28 Jun 12
Yes people love their stalkers. The funny part is I hear users complain about Facebook all the time, but they stay loyal to a fault.
@ravi770 (248)
• India
28 Jun 12
hey philly , both the sites are have some differences and have some advantages... so did not compare them...
• United States
28 Jun 12
For the things they have the same, wouldnt you rather get paid for doing something than to let some company keep all the revenue from your content.