ImageJournal.org has just posted a few of my thoughts on The Social Network, the new film by David Fincher.

Here’s a bit that didn’t end up in the review, probably because it wasn’t so much about the movie as it was about defending Facebook from its critics:

My own experience on Facebook has been rich and rewarding. I meet new people almost every day, enjoy thoughtful conversations, investigate art and culture, and discover kindred spirits. I’ve been introduced to a wealth of art, culture, and humor that I would otherwise have missed. And I’ve received letters from people who were blessed by conversations about sensitive subjects that took place between friends on my Facebook page. I’ve even met dozens of people in person who made first contact on Facebook.

That is to say, when people say they’re not on Facebook because they “don’t need to know what kind of bagel I had for breakfast”… they’re really exposing a lack of imagination. Sure, a lot of people waste our time in their social networking with pointless posts. But I know a lot of people who use Facebook in useful, rewarding ways.