I’ve never opened the book (or site, page, whatever) on the places listed above. But I refuse to let that deter me from expounding on ‘em! I merely ruminate until I get into my “government functionary” mindset. This allows me to assume the mantle of expert in virtually any field.
  It might help if I knew how to refer to these “spaces” with words regular folks might use? Regular folks being those of us past 40, and relegated to the “hopelessly computer illiterate” realm of third class citizen. I mean, we used to understand the words in the headline?
 My space was formerly defined in several simple ways. For instance, riding in the back of the stationwagon with the family. The space extending a few inches either side of your butt was “my space”. Ask my sisters, we knew where my space (or theirs) ended. 
 We didn’t live in a house big enough to all have our own rooms. So your space was defined by “lines drawn in the carpet”. Fights broke out if anyone slipped over the line into anothers space (doing more than passing through).
Later in adult life my space was usually clearly defined as well. At work I had a desk and the area around it was my space. At least far enough to toss paper clips or paper wads was mine. Everyone respected each others space. (since we were expected to clean up stuff on the floor in “our space”).
 The only “facebook” I recall had lots of little (ugly) pictures of the graduating class. Some underclassmen thrown in for flavor (those on the yearbook committee). As I think back, kids often “expressed themselves” in these “spaces” too (then look back years later, embarrassed).
But with these new fangled “spaces” and “books” I’ve kinda lost my place? I’ve certainly read and heard a great deal about ‘em in the news. I’d have to say I’ve learned a lot. The main thing? I’m real glad I don’t have any space on ‘em!
 Near as I can tell, the biggest advantage of these new spaces is the ability make a complete fool of yourself before a worldwide audience. (Unlike the old days, when we only involved a few close friends and family). People using these spaces invite anyone (everyone?) to join in the fun. Access to the show is granted simply by confering the title “friend” (on anyone who shows up!). People can have hundreds (thousands) of “friends”.
 I’m afraid the word “friend” has taken on new meanings? Living (in my own space) for many years, I’ve learned the appellation “friend’” should rarely be granted! Seldom to more than a handful of trusted folks of long acquaintance. “Real life” friends know you on sight (not on site). When you’re acting the fool, they’ll laugh with you (not at you). And they won’t share it with the entire world!
 With 160 million (!) people using these sites there must be some usefulness in them? I can see where it might seem easier to make friends sitting (alone) in front of a glowing screen? After all, no one can actually “see” you as who you really are? (you never “really see” them either). Easier than getting out and meeting someone in person. There you or he (might) have to be truthful about yourselves! (we all know that can spoil a budding friendship).
 Apparently most folks using these places are young? So whatever they say or do on these sites (or pictures they post) will be seen only by other young folks, right? No harm there, it’s just kids stuff and they’ll grow out of it? Not really! Anything that gets onto the internet is available to anyone with a computer (forever in someones space).
 One day these kids will be older. They’ll become job applicants or spouses or parents (!) college students, co-workers. Someday they’ll want to be “someone”. Probably even someone “respectable”. Those childish things they shared on their internet  “spaces” will still be there, somewhere.
 If I were a young person (or parent of one) I’d think long and hard before using these worldwide “spaces” (except to peek in and laugh). Employers will review those social network sites (like they don’t already). Just like they review resumes’ and credit reports now. Getting hired or promoted may (will) be judged by (long forgotten, embarrassing) personal information from a “your space” page. And judgement day comes more often than you think.
Cal Teeple, sole fulltime member of the Observational Cogitation Consortium can often be found three stools down from you. He may be ignored, accosted or contacted at: twinews@wayneindependent.com.