A Facebook Question

[Vagus]

Do people have a user name on Facebook or do you use your real name, is that part of being on Facebook, so people know who you are and can contact you?
I have no idea how it works but we’ve just been talking about it. Other half is considering joining a Facebook group connected to a hobby of his so we’d both like to know a bit more.
Thanks.

[hellywelly4]

I use my own name on Facebook. People deride it but I love it. I don’t put things on that I wouldn’t want other people to know about and have not had any problems. I’m in touch with friends from school - 65 years ago, family, friends who have moved away, some the other side of the world. My only complaint is the b..... adverts - I spend ages blocking them!

[sunny-dave]

HellyWelly - if you use FB on a computer via a browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Exploerer, Edge etc), you need to install the Fluff Busting Purity browser extension. It allows you to stop most of the adverts and other nonsense. Unfortunately it doesn't work if you use the FB app on a phone or tablet.

Most people use their real name on FB - it's a condition of use - but some more vulnerable people (especially teachers, police etc) will invent a pseudonym to avoid stalkers.

[barry1010]

I don't use my real name of FB but you are supposed to. If FB asked me I would provide my ID and the reason I use a fake name.

[Vagus]

Ok, thanks all.

[ummmm]

I use my real name. I know lots of people who don't though.

[tiggerblue10]

I use my real name.

Very rarely go on FB these days but look in occasionally.

[Canary42]

I use my real name. Groups can indeed be very useful, I belong to several (e.g. the town I grew up in) which provide much of interest and entertainment. The only issue I have is that many categories are duplicated under different names, and to join them all is overwhelming. I might just create a "Friends of Answerbank" Group LOL (if there isn't one already).

[Barsel]

I use my own name, but I belong mostly to groups who have similar interests.

[Canary42]

P.S. Facebook has from time to time amended its privacy facilities, often after public concern/criticism, so you need to study the options carefully to make sure you realise what you are getting into.

[davebro]

I use a false name but I don't post anything. I only use it to look at public groups that I wouldn't be able to see otherwise.

[Arksided]

I use my Real name otherwise, whats the point unless you intend to be a troll etc.. I only accept true friends and family, and only two Abers I've never met in person are in my contacts.

Some people accept everyone from their postmans, milkmans' daughters best mate back in the day.

[barry1010]

FB isn't bothered as long as you don't troll, spam or otherwise abuse the site

[barry1010]

Arksided, I can assure I am not a troll or anything else that is unsavoury. There are lots of people who have very good reasons for not using their real name on social media.

[brainiac]

It's a funny thing about pseudonyms and social media. I can honestly say I've never written anything on Answerbank that I would not have written were I using my real name; but I'm glad I don't have to reveal who I am.
I can think of only one ABer who uses his real name, and is obviously happy to do so.

[ummmm]

I rarely post anything either. It's all mainly in groups, private groups.

[jackthehat]

I have 4 different FB Accounts.
The primary one is for family/friends.
The second one is for playing games and keeping in contact with a 'looser' group of people, often those I met online and I prefer not to share personal details with.
The third is for locally-based buying/selling groups.
The fourth has my business account.
All are attached to different browsers using different e-mail addresses.

[Arksided]

Barry, I can appreciate that... personally If I was hiding or felt I needed an alias I wouldn't bother with FB.

[-SharonA-]

I am on FB using my maiden name. The reason is, I was very reluctant to join but my dad wanted to trace long lost family and I thought they'd be more receptive if I used my maiden name.
Alas it also brought out old childhood & school friends.

[barry1010]

Ark, I find FB very useful

[Arksided]

Barry, fair enough. I only use it mainly to keep in contact with family and friends and a few like minded social groups (TV Shows mainly).