You Facebook slackers

Apparently UK employees are wasting 233 million hours a week poking each other on Facebook. Unfortunately, their Facebook friends aren't real friends.

I don't know whether this is good or bad. Employees have been using the internet at work for as long as it's been available to them. My job involves web development and the internet is invaluable for learning about the latest technology or techniques, or even as a reference. It's quicker to google search for something than it is to look through a book I've got sitting on my desk, and the information is more up to date.

Facebook might be the current demon in the eyes of employers but if they cut one head off and they'll find 3 others to take it's place. My view is that part of the time at least this 'time wasting' is people socializing. Rather than the old 'water cooler' moment, where co-workers stand around chatting during work hours you get people chatting on e-mail or facebook or internet forums to blow off steam. It's just less obvious if people are slacking off online. As long as you get your work done on time, to a high standard, who cares?

Just remember, your Facebook friends aren't really your friends, and even if they are they will still just upload and tag you in highly embarassing drunken photos that they took on your mobile phone one night. Then everyone will be able to see, what a drunken mess you are. Especially your workmates if you are stupid enough to add them.