They share top-of-mind thoughts and silly comments about what’s on TV or the radio. They express their views on politics and give advice about anything and everything. Often they drop a line just to say good morning, good night or to tell their friends and circle of associates that they’re bored. They post photos, links to news items and updates on their accomplishments in online games.

Welcome to the world of Facebook, the Internet social networking site with some 350 million active users worldwide. Started in February 2004 by four friends in their Harvard University dorm, it is now an engaging part of many people’s lives—so much so that some FBers (as they’re known on the Web) spend a tremendous amount of time interacting via computer. Are these folks obsessed? We decided to check in with some DeKalb residents who are big-time Facebook fans.

Jack Regan

2,201 Facebook friends

“Guy Fieri is pretty annoying, but I still really enjoy Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.”

–A post from Jack’s Facebook page on Jan. 25
 

Jack Regan is a 57-year-old Decatur banker, former Queens boy, married with a son in college. He notes that he once accidentally saw Bob Dylan in his underpants…“tightie whities.” 

How often are you on Facebook?

Twice daily; before work and throughout the evening.

Do you mostly post, read other people’s posts or both?  I do both.

What do you mainly communicate about?

Music, art, literature, pop culture, politics, pizza, and hamburgers.

Why do you spend so much time on FB?

Because there’s nothing much good on TV anymore.
How long have you been a FBer?

Three years.

What do you like about FB?

Reconnecting with old friends and making new acquaintances who have interests similar to mine. I’m a Facebook ho; I confirm almost anybody who adds me as a friend.

What do you dislike?

Notifications that people have received angels, puppies, margaritas, and hugs from people they don’t really know. I don’t have a great

urge to hear how people are doing on Farmville, Mafia Wars, and Yoville. I hide that stuff whenever it comes up on my newsfeed.
 

What’s been your weirdest experience on FB?

A woman from Las Vegas friended me and started chatting with me several months later. She’d say hello pretty much every morning. One morning she said she was in Lagos, Nigeria, for business (instant alarm bell), waiting in a hotel room for a business contact. A few days later she told me she and her 6-year-old son were in some trouble in Lagos, and she wondered if I could help. I helped by going to her profile and unfriending her immediately.

Unusual but not particularly weird: my wife and I had dinner at the Buckhead Diner with the host of a nationally syndicated public radio show despite the fact that we had never met or talked, and a good time was had by all.

(Jack Regan met the host via Facbook)

Donna Shaná

530 Facebook friends

“Walking out the door, and he says “you gonna comb your hair, brush it or something!” hahahahaha... Gotta love honesty...”

  – A post from Donna Shaná’s Facebook page 

Donna Shaná is a single, 30-something with no children who blogs part time. She resides near Stone Mountain Park.

How often are you on Facebook?

I’m on FB at least three times a day.

Do you mostly post, read other people’s posts or both?

I mostly read and post for my blog (browngirlnextdoor.com)

What do you mainly communicate about?
I communicate about current events and people’s posts.

Why do you spend so much time on Facebook?

I am on Facebook so much I think because it keeps me connected with what everyone is doing and also because I don’t have a full-time job. Really I’m nosey! I love other people’s business. And people seem to put a lot of it on Facebook

.

How long have you been a FBer?

I’ve been on Facebook for almost two years.

What do you like about Facebook?
I like the fact that I can keep up with everyone.

What do you dislike?

I don’t like the unwanted gifts.

What’s been your weirdest experience on Facebook?

Someone who didn’t speak English sent me a message in his language and tried to add me as his friend.

Leonardo McClarty,

742 Facebook friends

“Just arrived @ Blk College Football HofF dinner. Saw Deacon Jones and Doug Williams. Pics to follow”

– A post from Leonardo McClarty’s Facebook page

How often are you on Facebook?
All day - too much to count. I have it on my Blackberry and so I send updates two to five times and am often checking other updates in between.
 
Do you mostly post, read other people’s posts or both? 

Post and read.
 
What do you mainly communicate about? 

Monday through Friday it is often work related–Chamber programs and events, public policy. Weekends it is family and sports.
 
 
Why do you spend so much time on Facebook? 

It’s fun and people read that sometimes before answering emails. It is a way to further market your company, knowledge and expertise. It expands your personal and business network in a viral way.
 
 
How long have you been a FBer?
About a year to 18 months.
 
What do you like about Facebook?
The ability to catch up with past friends, build new acquaintances and market my business – the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.
 
What do you dislike?
All of the crazy groups that people want you to join.
 
What’s been your weirdest experience on Facebook?

Nothing out of ordinary yet.