Oh, and with Facebook, I use it all the time. Just only put in information you have no problem with strangers seeing. You don't have to post pictures. You don't have to respond to any requests. Create new email to just use with Facebook. Use a fake name - some friends just change certain letters... like instead of "John Smith", they might use Jake Smile.
Whatever you do, do NOT fill out any of those questionnaire things that come up on Facebook, usually sent by friends, like "who were you in a previous life?" or "what is your natural age?" or anything similar. Those are just posts fishing for information about you.
Same with those pictures of "This poor puppy probably will not get 1,000 likes", or "give this soldier defending our freedom 1 million likes!". NO, again, those things are just for collecting information about you - and getting your Facebook page on their list for advertising or whatever.
I have found it is a great way to stay in touch with extended family all over the world. Just use common sense with it.
