Should I Add My Children On Facebook?

To much dismay, I added my mum as a friend on Facebook a long time ago. On the verge of digital social suicide, I suppose it might not have been the wisest decision I've made, because let's face it - there's a lot to see there. There are pictures and videos no-one needs to see, least my own mother. But to be honest, if it's on the Internet already, it's not exactly hidden - so no loss there in my opinion.

But it does bring an interesting thought to mind: if and when I have my own children, should I add them on Facebook? Despite what you might be thinking, I'm not that concerned about what I may see on their profiles (like I can stop any of it), but I'm more worried about what they'll find on mine. Think about that for a second.

I've never really been able to imagine my parents before they were my parents. To me, they poofed into this universe as mature and responsible 30-year-olds. But I suppose that's not too uncommon a thought. I've never heard many childhood stories, or flipped through old black-and-white photo collections. As for me, one of my life aspirations is to become a dad, but considering the kid that I currently am, I find it odd to believe I might someday father and be responsible for a child. But surely by then I would've become a sensible and stern man, and my children will be none the wiser? Well, I'll still have my Facebook.

If you're my "Friend", then you'll know that I use my Facebook. A lot. Call it procrastination, but I like to think of it as a modern, digital photo book. When I feel my future children to be old enough, I'll add them. Then they can flip through my youth: the friends I made, the university years I spent, my first job, and everything in between. Sure, they'll laugh their asses off at my questionable fashion choices and even more questionable poses, but they might actually be surprised that at one point, I was a kid too (at least, I hope it'll be a surprise). It's an interesting thought that all of us on Facebook now are almost documenting our lives, like digital autobiographies with guest writers - virtual timelines (or rather, "Timelines") from start to finish.

Excuse the grim thought, but I think when I pass away, I'd like my Facebook profile presented to everyone at my memorial service (I assume it'll be on the iPad Nano 65GS or something). Then people can quite literally scroll through my entire life. Of course, the relationships I had shared with every person I'd met throughout my life would mean much more, but sometimes it's nice to look back and feel nostalgic about a photo you were tagged in.

So, as I share this blog post on Facebook, I wonder if I'll see the plan through, and if this very post will be read by my yet-to-be children. I used to think time capsules were the coolest things as a kid, but just too much of an effort to make and bury. But in a way, Facebook is my digital time capsule. I have so much more to experience in my life, but as my memory begins to fail me (it's not even doing that great a job currently), it'll be a neat way to just remind myself how fortunate I have been to already have experienced so much.

Ah, who am I kidding? I'm just giving myself an excuse to procrastinate on Facebook. Refreshing News Feed...