Does Facebook make a Reunion redundant?

Photo Credit: Here

This summer will mark 7 years since I've graduated high school.
I remember talking to people on that last day of school in the gorgeous sunshine. Signing yearbooks, crying, laughing and excited for "the future". We joked with each other, saying "See you at the reunion!" It seemed so far away.

Now, more than ever, we are able to connect with practically anyone we are thinking about. Anyone who crosses our minds is a point and click away. Thanks Facebook. I now know that those two who were inseparable in high school have separated, that the girl we all thought was easy lived up to her name and got pregnant right out of High School, that one of the girls from my rugby team still plays rugby and that this guy can take some really amazing pictures and has made a living out of it. I know most of you have done it. Googled, Facebook stalked, found on twitter...etc that person from high school that you wanted to see "Where are they now?".

I was having lunch with a couple of girls that I make sure to stay in touch with, even if it means 1 lunch a year. One was the valedictorian and she brought up an amazing point. The point of a reunion is to catch up with those who you're interested in catching up with. Find out what they've been up to. However, the internet has taken the mystery out of it. The big reveal of "WOW, she lost a lot of weight!" or "Man, he's so much nicer now!".

So here is my question to you: Does Facebook make a Reunion redundant? Should we, who live in this technical age, even bother with the time and effort it takes to put together such a big event? If I want to meet up with someone... I can just send them a message and get together for a personal 1-on-1 coffee date!
I'm really curious, let me know what you think in the comments below! :)

Facebook: How do YOU use it?

When I use a tool in one way, I sometimes forget that the way it is used is as unique as the person using it. I've recently had a few discussions with friends and acquaintances about Facebook. Here are a few uses that have come up in conversation.

Staying "In The Know"

I had lunch with a couple of high school friends this weekend and one thing they said stuck out. "Facebook makes the idea of a 10 year reunion pointless." While I would still love to see everyone in the flesh for a reunion, they make a good point. Facebook is a great way for staying informed on what your friends are doing. Same is true for a reunion, finding out what your friends have been up to. For my generation, it would be strange to see one of my fellow graduates not on Facebook.

Games/Entertainment
There are those that have a Facebook account, but the only thing that seems to bring them back there are their Farms, their Restaurants and Monopoly. You won't see any updates from them unless they need your help to unlock the next level!

                                      Business Page
One of my favorite uses of Facebook that I've seen recently has been by Tourism Nanaimo. They ran the "Amazing Nanaimo Getaways". It was a great way for people to see the things that Nanaimo has to offer and to bring some new people to the city. The only thing I didn't like about this contest was that I didn't win!

Daily Ritual

Yep, there are those people for which Facebook isn't an option. They log on every morning, noon and night. They don't live without it and it's their source for the news. They love to tell you exactly what they're doing and they are active on commenting and liking your posts.

There are so many different ways that Facebook is used. I actually don't fall into any of these categories. Do you?