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stoutfellowSome months ago, I received an e-mail, informing me that :name: (a former student of mine) had joined Facebook and inviting me to do likewise. I have been reluctant to respond to the message, but it has been followed by two repetitions, at intervals of a month or so. I have a couple of questions, then, for anyone who might be more familiar with Facebook than I am.
First, and to me most important: it seems clear that the messages are, in some sense, automatically generated. (They address me as "Dear Dr.", for instance.) Question: does the new Facebook member choose who is to receive such messages, or does Facebook simply raid the address book?
Second, for those who are or have been on Facebook: what are the benefits, and what are the detriments, of joining?
Any information would be gratefully received.
First, and to me most important: it seems clear that the messages are, in some sense, automatically generated. (They address me as "Dear Dr.", for instance.) Question: does the new Facebook member choose who is to receive such messages, or does Facebook simply raid the address book?
Second, for those who are or have been on Facebook: what are the benefits, and what are the detriments, of joining?
Any information would be gratefully received.
